Adaptive control is a type of control system that automatically adjusts its parameters in real-time to maintain optimal performance in the presence of uncertainties or variations in the system dynamics. It is particularly useful in environments where the system model is not fully known or is subject to change, allowing for improved robustness and flexibility in control applications.
Control theory is a field of study that focuses on the behavior of dynamical systems and the use of feedback to modify the behavior of these systems to achieve desired outcomes. It is widely applied in engineering and science to design systems that maintain stability and performance despite external disturbances and uncertainties.