Open Physical Models in Control Engineering Education

Abstract

This paper discusses the significance of physical models in engineering education. Obvious assets, drawbacks and the educational role of such models are discussed, and the idea of ‘open physical models’ is introduced. A couple of sophisticated open physical models (an unmanned rotorcraft and an inverted pendulum robot), used in control engineering courses, are presented. Basic ideas and concepts, use of the models in student courses and projects, as well as experiences of the authors, are also presented.