  Entangled atomic states, such as spin squeezed states, represent a promising
resource for a new generation of quantum sensors and atomic clocks. We
demonstrate that optimal control techniques can be used to substantially
enhance the degree of spin squeezing in strongly interacting many-body systems,
even in the presence of noise and imperfections. Specifically, we present a
protocol that is robust to noise which outperforms conventional methods.
Potential experimental implementations are discussed.
