Editorial: tools for computer aided design of adaptive controllers

This short special section is the result of an attempt to map results and directions in the area of computer-aided design of adaptive controllers. The area is to a large extent neglected in academic research and has certainly not been systematically analysed. The papers are intended to highlight this useful, interesting and difficult area and inform academic researchers and practising control engineers of the achievements to come out of more than a decade of research. We also hope to have provided a perspective on current problems and challenges in the area.