The influence of R. E. Kalman—state space theory, realization, and sampled-data systems

Abstract Professor Rudolf Emil Kalman passed away on July 2, 2016. He left an indelible mark on system and control theory, and indeed established a firm basis for modern control theory. This note intends to give a brief historical account on his influence on modern system theory, particularly, state space theory, realization, and sampled-data systems, as well as elaborating upon his methodology.