We describe in this book, new methods for analysis and design of hybrid intelligent systems using soft computing techniques. Soft Computing (SC) consists of several computing paradigms, including fuzzy logic, neural networks, and genetic algorithms, which can be used to produce powerful hybrid intelligent systems for solving problems in pattern recognition, time series prediction, intelligent control, robotics and automation. Hybrid int- ligent systems that combine several SC techniques are needed due to the complexity and high dimensionality of real-world problems. Hybrid int- ligent systems can have different architectures, which have an impact on the efficiency and accuracy of these systems, for this reason it is very - portant to optimize architecture design. The architectures can combine, in different ways, neural networks, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms, to achieve the ultimate goal of pattern recognition, time series prediction, - telligent control, or other application areas. This book is intended to be a major reference for scientists and en- neers interested in applying new computational and mathematical tools to design hybrid intelligent systems. This book can also be used as a textbook or major reference for graduate courses like the following: soft computing, intelligent pattern recognition, computer vision, applied artificial intel- gence, and similar ones. We consider that this book can also be used to get novel ideas for new lines of research, or to continue the lines of research proposed by the authors of the book. The objective of this edited volume is to offer a general view at the recent conceptual developments of Soft Computing (SC) regarded as a general methodology supporting the design of hybrid systems along with their diversified applications to modeling, simulation and control of non-linear dynamical systems. As of now, SC methodologies embrace neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms and chaos theory. Each of these methodologies exhibits well delineated advantages and disadvantages. Interestingly, they have been found useful in solving a broad range of problems. However, many real-world complex problems require a prudent, carefully orchestrated integration of several of these methodologies to fully achieve the required efficiency, accuracy, and interpretability of the solutions. In this edited volume, an overview of SC methodologies, and their applications to modeling, simulation and control, will be given in an introductory paper by the Editors. Then, detailed methods for integrating the different SC methodologies in solving real-world problems will be given in the papers by the other authors in the book. The edited volume will cover a wide spectrum of applications including areas such as: robotic dynamic systems, non-linear plants, manufacturing systems, and time series prediction.

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