Publisher's description: Extremum seeking is a method of adaptive control outside the classical paradigm or model reference and related schemes. The unique feature of extremum seeking as an optimization tool is that is is an on-line methodology, performed by feedback, and with the ability to achieve rapid convergence. A second distinction between classical adaptive control and extremum seeking is that the latter is not model based. Its non-model based character explains the remarkable popularity of extremum seeking in the last half decade: the recent applications in fluid flow combustion, and biomedical systems are all characterized by complex, unreliable models. Written by authorities in the field and pioneers in adaptive nonlinear control systems, this book presents both significant theoretic value and important practical potential.