Systems, control and decision-making
AI is also linked to systems theory, which studies how things change and how we can steer them.
What is it?
Systems and control theory study how systems change over time and how we influence them through feedback. Decision theory adds the question of which action to choose when the outcome is uncertain. Both are closely linked to AI, especially robotics and automated control.
An everyday example
A thermostat measures the temperature, compares it with the target and switches on the heating. A smarter system also learns when you will be home, but the feedback loop stays the same.
Why does it matter?
AI systems increasingly act as well as predict. Then a good prediction is not enough: what matters is what happens after the action.
A common misconception
That a good prediction means a good decision. We can know exactly that it will rain and still decide badly.
In more detail
What is control theory?
The study of how we use feedback to steer a device or a process towards a goal.
Where does it meet AI?
In robots, self-driving vehicles, energy systems and the control of complex systems.
What is decision theory?
Comparing options with different benefits, costs and uncertainties.
Why does it matter?
A system can predict well and still choose a bad action if its goal is wrong.
Remember: A good prediction is not yet a good decision.
Reliable sources
Last reviewed 1 November 2026. An explainer, not professional, legal or medical advice. For rules and figures that change, check the official version.