System linearization via feedback: A control engineering perspective

The possibility of using feedback to achieve or to enhance system linearity is well known to control engineers since decades ago. A few major breakthroughs, made possible by the application of differential geometric tools to control theoretic issues, have revamped a new interest in all facets of the problem, including the search, the analysis and the computation of suitable approximate solutions. In the present paper, recent developments and new trends in the field are shortly reviewed, with special attention paid to some research issues currently addressed by the authors. Though primarily meant for learned mathematically oriented readers, the presentation focuses on ideas and concepts more than on their most general and mathematically rigorous formulations. On the other hand, it does not assume familiarity with advanced control theory nor modern control technology.