A Laboratory Platform for Project Based Training Concerning the Development of Complex Networked Control Systems

Abstract

Due to modern trends in the development of mechatronic systems, requirements on developers are changing. Beside the classical approaches to control design, engineers need competence in fields like integration of heterogeneous systems, communication between different components, interoperation between various software components, and simulation of complex systems. Further, development is carried out by teams of specialists. Teaching in the field of automatic control needs to be adapted to these new trends. A new laboratory platform has been developed and installed to offer laboratory projects tailored to these requirements. A robot arm and corresponding control hardware is composed of carefully selected components used in industrial equipment. The robot is complemented by auxiliary systems which allow the accomplishment of a range of laboratory projects by groups of students. After acquiring particular skills in workshops during an advanced study phase, students form teams to complete a given team project. Project steps from analysis of requirements to test and presentation are planned and accomplished by the team. This process is very similar to industrial development processes and allows students to acquire valuable skills in mechatronic system design.