Author of this question: Steffi Knorn, Fachgebiet Regelungstechnik, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
Once the Christmas rush is over, Santa will finally have some well-deserved free time. After a relaxing beach holiday to unwind from all the stress, he plans to put all the control knowledge he’s gained to work on one of the following problems. Which one should it be?
a. 💸📈🎁 Use control and systems theory to better understand how the economy works and how one should adapt political policies so that everyone can afford Christmas presents next year.
b. 🦠🩺🤝 Use control theory to better understand how diseases spread and how counter measures affect the spread to find best mitigation strategies to make sure everyone is healthy for the holiday season next year.
c. 🎁♻️📏 Use control theory to improve the production and increase resource efficiency of Christmas wrapping paper for the next season.
d. 🧸🔄🌍 Use control theory to find a way to efficiently remanufacture old toys. After all recycling and reusing is in fashion anyway!
e. 🛷✨🔧 Use control theory to improve the suspension in his sleigh to make the ride more comfortable for next year.
f. 🤔📢🕵️ Use control theory to better understand social dynamics and how the myth of his non-existance as well as other lies and false facts spread.
g. 🥗🌱🍴 Use control of bioprocesses to help production of plant based food to have a yummy alternative for next year’s Christmas dinner.
h. 🍪🌞⚡ Use control to better understand the power usage pattern in his workshop and when he should be running the oven to bake cookies, and how to best combine power from his photo voltaic system and his wind mill.