Although fuzzy control was initially introduced as a model-free control design method based on the knowledge of a human operator, current research is almost exclusively devoted to model-based fuzzy control methods that can guarantee stability and robustness of the closed-loop system. State-of-the-art techniques for identifying fuzzy models and designing model-based controllers are reviewed in this article. Attention is also paid to the role of fuzzy systems in higher levels of the control hierarchy, such as expert control, supervision and diagnostic systems. Open issues are highlighted and an attempt is made to give some directions for future research.