Using Simulink, Matlab, and LEGO Mindstorms to Teach a Project-Based Control Systems Design Course

Estelle M. Eke

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Conference: 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Seattle, Washington
Publication Date: June 14, 2015
Start Date: June 14, 2015
End Date: June 17, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-692-50180-1
ISSN: 2153-5965
Conference Session: Dynamic Systems and Control
Tagged Division: Mechanical Engineering
Page Count: 25
Page Numbers: 26.1680.1 - 26.1680.25
DOI: 10.18260/p.25016
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/25016
Download Count: 2154

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Paper Authors

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Estelle M. Eke California State University, Sacramento

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Estelle Eke is a full professor of Mechanical Engineering at California State University, Sacramento. She received a B.S. degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Rice University, and a Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Rice University. She worked for two and half years in the Spacecraft Navigation Section at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, and then taught for two and half years in the Department of Aerospace Science Engineering at Tuskegee University before joining California State University, Sacramento. While at Tuskegee University, she received the Teacher of the Year award in Aerospace Engineering for two consecutive years. At Sacramento State, she was named Outstanding Teacher in the College of Engineering and Computer Science in 2000. She teaches courses in the areas of Computer Applications in Engineering, Dynamics, and Controls. Her research interests are in optimization and robotics. She also serves as a design judge for FIRST Robotics competitions at the elementary and high school levels.

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Abstract

Using Simulink, Matlab, and LEGO Mindstorms to teach a Project-Based Control Systems Design Course Author: Estelle M. Eke Professor of Mechanical Engineering California State University, SacramentoAbstract. Teaching control systems design using theoretical design examples outlined in mosttextbooks have been found to be quite challenging for most engineering students. One majorobservation is the tendency for students to resort to a trial and error approach in the theoreticaldesign process without any realization of the adverse effects that such an approach can have inthe real world. Computer simulations of analytical solutions do provide some insight but herelimitations arise in interpreting the results correctly or in the visualization of the real systemdynamics. This paper gives an overview of an approach that (i) allows the student to create andanalyze a theoretical model of a real system, (ii) build a practical emulation of the real systemusing LEGO Mindstorms, (iii) observe the behavior of the system in real-time, and (iv) apply theprinciples of controls using Matlab and Simulink to design the system to meet desiredspecifications.The first part of the course is an introduction to control theory using the classical approach. Inthe second part, students work in teams of three or four to design, build, and program a LEGOMindstorms system of choice that must perform stipulated tasks. The original system must notincorporate any type of controller and must demonstrate that desired requirements are not met.This provides an opportunity for the students to see how design constraints are established.Based on my observations so far, as well as on student feedback, students become very highlymotivated by the design component of the course, and many end up with a thorough grasp of thefundamental principles of control systems design. The open-ended approach allows forcreativity and flexibility in the design process, with both the instructor and students benefittingfrom an array of designs. A few examples of actual student projects will be presented.

Citation
Format

Eke, E. M. (2015, June), Using Simulink, Matlab, and LEGO Mindstorms to Teach a Project-Based Control Systems Design Course Paper presented at 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, Washington. 10.18260/p.25016

TY  - CPAPER
AB  -                    Using Simulink, Matlab, and LEGO Mindstorms                                   to teach a Project-Based                               Control Systems Design Course                                       Author: Estelle M. Eke                                Professor of Mechanical Engineering                              California State University, SacramentoAbstract. Teaching control systems design using theoretical design examples outlined in mosttextbooks have been found to be quite challenging for most engineering students. One majorobservation is the tendency for students to resort to a trial and error approach in the theoreticaldesign process without any realization of the adverse effects that such an approach can have inthe real world. Computer simulations of analytical solutions do provide some insight but herelimitations arise in interpreting the results correctly or in the visualization of the real systemdynamics. This paper gives an overview of an approach that (i) allows the student to create andanalyze a theoretical model of a real system, (ii) build a practical emulation of the real systemusing LEGO Mindstorms, (iii) observe the behavior of the system in real-time, and (iv) apply theprinciples of controls using Matlab and Simulink to design the system to meet desiredspecifications.The first part of the course is an introduction to control theory using the classical approach. Inthe second part, students work in teams of three or four to design, build, and program a LEGOMindstorms system of choice that must perform stipulated tasks. The original system must notincorporate any type of controller and must demonstrate that desired requirements are not met.This provides an opportunity for the students to see how design constraints are established.Based on my observations so far, as well as on student feedback, students become very highlymotivated by the design component of the course, and many end up with a thorough grasp of thefundamental principles of control systems design. The open-ended approach allows forcreativity and flexibility in the design process, with both the instructor and students benefittingfrom an array of designs. A few examples of actual student projects will be presented. 
AU  - Estelle M. Eke
CY  - Seattle, Washington
DA  - 2015/06/14
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Using Simulink, Matlab, and LEGO Mindstorms to Teach a Project-Based Control Systems Design Course
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/25016
DO  - 10.18260/p.25016
ER  -