Fuzzy Expert Systems

Decision-making Systems That Capture The Thinking of Human Experts

Expert Systems are a form of Artificial Intelligence. Mainstream research into Artificial Intelligence, using conventional logic and huge mathematical models, has received more than $100 billion in funding over the last 50 years. Despite this support, mainstream research has failed to duplicate the speed and precision of decision-making by human experts.

In the 1970s, however, a small and largely unfunded group of engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists began to build very successful products using fuzzy logic instead of conventional logic. Since then, fuzzy control and fuzzy expert systems have created an array of "smart" devices and software tools:  washing machines, trains, elevators, rice cookers, camcorders, cement kilns, pricing models, medical diagnostic software, air conditioners, and automatic transmissions.

These systems work for three reasons:

  1. They express expert knowledge in simple sentences.
  2. They disregard unnecessary complexity.
  3. They integrate information from multiple sources.
With the framework of natural resource management now focused on the active participation of stakeholders (who are all experts in their way), the time is perfect to capitalize on the demonstrated benefits of fuzzy systems.

Why "Fuzzy"?

Fuzzy expert systems are based on fuzzy logic, which takes its name from the concept of fuzzy sets.

Return To Home Page