This book is an introduction to the theory of homogeneous systems, useful for the simplification of many types of nonlinear control problems. It propounds methods that can be employed when linearization proves unsuitable and provides a unified approach to stability and robustness analysis, control and observer design, and system discretization.

The second edition splits the coverage of homogeneity, allowing expanded coverage of finite-dimensional systems (in this book) and infinite-dimensional systems (in Volume II). The results are better systematized and easier for readers to study and assimilate.

The first volume details the concepts of finite-time and fixed-time stability. Key features of the book include:

• mathematical models of dynamical systems in finite-dimensional spaces;
• the theory of linear dilations in Euclidean spaces;
• homogeneous control and estimation;
• extensively expanded and original chapters with entirely new treatments of digitization, safety-critical systems, neural networks, and multiagent control;
• simple methods for an upgrade of existing linear control laws;
• numerical schemes for a consistent digital implementation of homogeneous algorithms; and
• experimental results that confirm an improvement of PID controllers.

Illustrative examples-numerical results, computer simulations, and real experiments-support all the theoretical material. The coverage of finite-dimensional systems presented in this book is of interest to graduate students of control theory from engineering and applied-mathematical backgrounds and to practising control engineers.