AbstractThis article presents model-free adaptive control based on an intuitionistic fuzzy neural network for nonlinear systems with event-triggered output. Essentially, model-free adaptive control (MFAC) is constructed by establishing an online approximate model of the controlled system using the pseudo-partial derivative (PPD) form. By the proposed scheme, first, an intuitionistic fuzzy neural network (IFNN) is developed as an estimator for time-varying PPD in both compact-form dynamic linearization (CFDL) and partial-form dynamic linearization (PFDL) for the MFAC technique. Second, two periodic event-triggered output methods are integrated with the proposed IFNN-based MFAC in both forms to save communication resources and reduce the computation burden and energy consumption. Based on the Lyapunov theory and BIBO stability approach, necessary conditions are established to guarantee the convergence of the adaptive law of the IFNN controller and the boundary of the tracking error of the closed loop system. Third, regarding the feasibility and the effectiveness of the developed control method, two simulation examples including the continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) system and the heat exchanger system are given. Finally, the practical validation of the proposed data-driven control method is conducted via the speed control of a DC motor.