SummaryIn this paper, an indirect approach to the dual‐mode adaptive robust controller (DMARC) is proposed, which combines the typical transient and robustness properties of variable structure systems with a smooth control signal in steady state, typical of conventional adaptive controllers, as model reference adaptive controller. The aim of this indirect version, here named indirect DMARC, is to provide a more intuitive controller design, based on physical plant parameters, as resistances, inertia moments, capacitances, and so on, maintaining DMARC properties. In this paper, a stability analysis for the proposed controller and simulations to an unstable second‐order plant will be presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.