Teaching Basic Control Systems Theory Using Robots

Abstract

Automatic control systems and industrial robotics are amongst some very important content areas for Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Technology students. From a learning processes standpoint there are issues with the way by which these topics are typically delivered in the classroom. First, controls theory is presented using the analytical approach; which causes the subject to appear very "dry" and theoretical. Secondly, control systems and robotics are taught in separate courses, which may result in students not being able to appreciate the interrelationship that exits between these areas. In this paper a strategy is detailed wherein the authors have used a "hands-on" approach, using robots as a tool for communicating key concepts in control systems. The use of robots as a tool also enables students to "discover" the relationship between the two areas.