Special issue on hybrid systems: Theory and applications - A brief introduction to the theory and applications of hybrid systems

The hybrid systems of interest contain two distinct types of components: su bsystems with continuous dynamics and subsystems with discrete dynamics tha t interact with each other. Such hybrid systems arise in varied contexts in manufacturing, communication networks, auto pilot design, automotive engin e control, computer synchronization, traffic control, and chemical processe s, among others. Hybrid systems have a central role in embedded control sys tems that interact with the physical world. They also arise from the hierar chical organization of complex systems, and from the interaction of discret e planning algorithms and continuous control algorithms in autonomous, inte lligent systems. In this paper, a brief introduction to the theory and appl ications of hybrid systems is presented and an outline of the papers in thi s special issue is given.