A DC motor connected to a rod in several configurations offers a set of interesting and representative plant models for control classes. Control experiments may be conducted by using a programmable digital control device such as National Instrument's myRIO. This self-contained kit packaged in a plastic box of size about 7″ × 9″ × 4″ can be distributed to students to conduct experiments virtually anywhere. Homework problems and mini-control-design projects are assigned using the kit to motivate learning theory and provide hands-on experience.
The Mechatronics and Controls Laboratory is engaged in the creation and advancement of multiple academic curriculum courses at the undergraduate level.