  No mixed research of hybrid and fractional-order systems into a cohesive and
multifaceted whole can be found in the literature. This paper focuses on such a
synergistic approach of the theories of both branches, which is believed to
give additional flexibility and help to the system designer. It is part I of
two companion papers and introduces the fundamentals of fractional-order hybrid
systems, in particular, modeling and stability analysis of two kinds of such
systems, i.e., fractional-order switching and reset control systems. Some
examples are given to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the
developed theory. Part II will focus on fractional-order hybrid control.
