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MagnetoShield: A Novel Open-Source Magnetic Levitation Benchmark Device for Mechatronics Education and Research
Gergely Takács1, Jakub Mihalík1, Martin Gulan1,2
1AutomationShield.com Open-Source Initiative, 812 31 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 23, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a compact, affordable open-source magnetic levitation device suitable for educational take-home experiments and research. The system includes a reproducible hardware design, mathematical model, and accessible software for control algorithm testing.
Area of Science:
- Physics Education
- Control Systems Engineering
- Open-Source Hardware Development
Background:
- The magnetic levitation experiment is a fundamental concept in physics and control engineering.
- Existing educational magnetic levitation kits are often expensive or lack comprehensive documentation for research applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an open-source, low-cost magnetic levitation device.
- To provide a reproducible hardware design and mathematical model for educational and research purposes.
- To develop an accessible software interface for control algorithm implementation.
Main Methods:
- Detailed hardware design and construction of a compact magnetic levitation system.
- Derivation and validation of the system's mathematical model.
- Development of an open-source application programming interface (API) for Arduino IDE, Simulink, and CircuitPython.
- Demonstration of control algorithm capabilities using REXYGEN software.
Main Results:
- An exceptionally small, affordable, and accessible magnetic levitation device was successfully developed.
- Comprehensive documentation for hardware reproducibility, including mathematical modeling and system validation, was provided.
- An open-source API facilitating integration with popular development environments was created.
Conclusions:
- The developed open-source magnetic levitation device is ideal for educational settings and serves as a valuable platform for control systems research.
- The project promotes accessibility and reproducibility in experimental physics and engineering education.
- The integrated software and hardware offer a versatile tool for exploring magnetic levitation and control theories.
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