A Mixed Reality Laboratory for Developing Competencies in Control Engineering

Abstract

This work presents a novel mixed reality laboratory for the development of competences in control engineering. This laboratory simulates various control systems that may interact with different control devices. The mixed reality lab has three components: (i) a virtual environment, (ii) a virtual-electronic interface, and (iii) a control unit. The virtual environment displays a virtual representation of the system under control. The electronic interface uses a microcontroller to solve the differential equations that models the simulated system. The values solved by this interface are sent to the virtual environment for driving its animation. Moreover, input and output signals are connected to the control unit for the implementation of a control law. The functionally of the proposed mixed reality laboratory is showcased by modeling and controlling a Planar Vertical Take-off and Landing (PVTOL) system. Furthermore, the motivation of a group of students, after experimenting with the laboratory, is reported.