Róbert Málik, a PhD student at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STUBA), spent two months at the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Pisa (UNIPI) as part of the FrontSeat project. During his stay, he collaborated with researchers and explored new approaches to offset-free model predictive control (MPC). In this blog, he shares his experiences—both academic and personal—from working on numerical optimization to discovering the architectural and culinary delights of Tuscany and beyond. Read on to learn more about his journey at UNIPI!
My two-month stay at the University of Pisa (UNIPI) was part of the FronSeat project. During my stay, I met with excellent researchers, tutors, and fellow students. My main research at UNIPI focused on offset-free model predictive control (MPC). I gained valuable experience in numerical optimization and model predictive control. My work involved developing software tools for numerical simulations of offset-free MPC. I consulted my progress with my tutor, who provided me with precious feedback and insights. In my dissertation thesis, I am engaged in robust forms of MPC, one of which is tube-based MPC. At UNIPI, I began researching the possibilities of integrating the offset-free MPC with the tube-based MPC framework.
Among other things, I also used my time in Pisa to “research” the Tuscany region, particularly its architecture and cuisine. On my first trips, I was inclined (pun intended) to explore the city of Pisa itself.
In my subsequent wandering in the Tuscany region, I roamed the streets of Florence, visited Davids (there is more than one), and circumnavigated Lucca on its massive city fortifications.
As I tried to verify the hypothesis that all roads lead to Rome, I discovered that certain railroads do as well. In addition to the Tuscany region, I also conducted valuable “research” into the architecture and the cuisine of the Lazio region.
Disclaimer: As one can notice, in the pictures, there is my travel companion, which I received as a gift from my niece. Any resemblance is purely coincidental.
Text/Photo: Róbert Málik (STUBA)
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon under grant no. 101079342 (Fostering Opportunities Towards Slovak Excellence in Advanced Control for Smart Industries).
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