In this paper, we study robust invariant set characterizations of discrete-time descriptor systems and propose an active mode detection mechanism for discrete-time descriptor systems considering multiple modes of operation. The considered class of descriptor systems assumes regularity, stability and is affected by unknown-but-bounded disturbances. As a first theoretical result, we establish a general framework for robust invariant sets for discrete-time descriptor systems in both causal and non-causal cases. Particular transformations are subsequently proposed for handling causal and non causal descriptor systems and will be used to characterize the effects of disturbances. Based on these set-theoretic notions and a designed input signal for active set separations, we propose an active mode detection mechanism by exploiting the strong invariance properties. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.