Design and Implementation of a Ball-Plate Control System and Python Script for Educational Purposes in STEM...

Area of Science:

• Mechatronics and Control Systems Engineering
• STEM Education Technology

Background:

• Nonlinear mechatronic systems present significant control challenges in educational settings.
• Existing platforms may lack adaptability or be cost-prohibitive for widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, fabricate, and optimize a low-cost Ball-Plate System (BPS) as an accessible laboratory platform for engineering education.
• To address and analyze specific control challenges inherent in nonlinear BPS, including steady-state error, distance error, and environmental light-shadow effects.
• To develop an open-source, adaptable control system for the BPS to facilitate learning and experimentation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a two-degree-of-freedom BPS prototype utilizing a USB HD camera for computer vision feedback and DC servo motors as actuators.
• Implementation of an advanced control system block diagram to manage system nonlinearities.
• Programming an open-source control system using Python scripts for flexible parameter adjustment (ball color, PID controller settings) and direct mathematical computation.

Main Results:

• Successful design, fabrication, and installation of a functional BPS laboratory prototype.
• Identification and discussion of key control challenges: steady-state error, specific distance error, and light-shadow error.
• Demonstration of an adaptable control system enabling simplified adjustments and direct mathematical analysis.

Conclusions:

• The developed BPS serves as a valuable and cost-effective mechatronic platform for engineering STEM education.
• The open-source Python-based control system offers flexibility for research and educational purposes.
• Further research will focus on refining control algorithms for enhanced BPS performance.