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Main Authors: Nosrati, Komeil, Tepljakov, Aleksei, Belikov, Juri, Petlenkov, Eduard
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.03433
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author Nosrati, Komeil
Tepljakov, Aleksei
Belikov, Juri
Petlenkov, Eduard
author_facet Nosrati, Komeil
Tepljakov, Aleksei
Belikov, Juri
Petlenkov, Eduard
contents While large language models (LLMs) are transforming engineering and technology through enhanced control capabilities and decision support, they are simultaneously evolving into complex dynamical systems whose behavior must be regulated. This duality highlights a reciprocal connection in which prompts support control system design while control theory helps shape prompts to achieve specific goals efficiently. In this study, we frame this emerging interconnection of LLM and control as a bidirectional continuum, from prompt design to system dynamics. First, we investigate how LLMs can advance the field of control in two distinct capacities: directly, by assisting in the design and synthesis of controllers, and indirectly, by augmenting research workflows. Second, we examine how control concepts help LLMs steer their trajectories away from undesired meanings, improving reachability and alignment via input optimization, parameter editing, and activation-level interventions. Third, we look into deeper integrations by treating LLMs as dynamic systems within a state-space framework, where their internal representations are closely linked to external control loops. Finally, we identify key challenges and outline future research directions to understand LLM behavior and develop interpretable and controllable LLMs that are as trustworthy and robust as their electromechanical counterparts, thereby ensuring they continue to support and safeguard society.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2602_03433
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle When control meets large language models: From words to dynamics
Nosrati, Komeil
Tepljakov, Aleksei
Belikov, Juri
Petlenkov, Eduard
Systems and Control
While large language models (LLMs) are transforming engineering and technology through enhanced control capabilities and decision support, they are simultaneously evolving into complex dynamical systems whose behavior must be regulated. This duality highlights a reciprocal connection in which prompts support control system design while control theory helps shape prompts to achieve specific goals efficiently. In this study, we frame this emerging interconnection of LLM and control as a bidirectional continuum, from prompt design to system dynamics. First, we investigate how LLMs can advance the field of control in two distinct capacities: directly, by assisting in the design and synthesis of controllers, and indirectly, by augmenting research workflows. Second, we examine how control concepts help LLMs steer their trajectories away from undesired meanings, improving reachability and alignment via input optimization, parameter editing, and activation-level interventions. Third, we look into deeper integrations by treating LLMs as dynamic systems within a state-space framework, where their internal representations are closely linked to external control loops. Finally, we identify key challenges and outline future research directions to understand LLM behavior and develop interpretable and controllable LLMs that are as trustworthy and robust as their electromechanical counterparts, thereby ensuring they continue to support and safeguard society.
title When control meets large language models: From words to dynamics
topic Systems and Control
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.03433