A LEGO-based control experiment

Gawthrop, P.J. and McGookin, E.W. (2004) A LEGO-based control experiment. IEEE Control Systems Magazine, 24(5), pp. 43-56.

Abstract

A nice feature of the LEGO system is that, although the mechanical, electrical, and structural construction is good enough for successful results, there are enough discrepancies between theory and practice to introduce the student to real-world problems of controller. This article concentrates on implementing the feedback controller within the RCX, with the host computer used for compiling, downloading, and data display. However, an interesting research project is to implement part of the controller on the host computer and communicate by means of the IR channel. The bandwidth restriction that this approach imposes can provide the basis for a research project on control through a restricted bandwidth channel.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Control engineering; education; LEGO; Mindstorms
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McGookin, Dr Euan and Gawthrop, Professor Peter
• Authors: Gawthrop, P.J., and McGookin, E.W.
• Subjects: T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Research Group: Centre for Systems and Control
• Journal Name: IEEE Control Systems Magazine
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• ISSN: 0272-1708
• Copyright Holders: ©2004 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Control Systems Magazine 24(5):43-56
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.