Abstract :
This paper outlines the development of PC based workstations, carried out at Staffordshire University, as an aid to the teaching and learning of motion control systems. Each workstation consists of a motion control system, either linear or rotary motion with electrical or pneumatic actuation, linked to a PC which provides control, data acquisition and analysis. Other workstations concerned with process control are also being developed. The aim is to provide students with easy yet flexible access to a stimulating experimental learning environment. These systems enable the student to experiment with a range of control strategies in a safe yet practical environment. The experimental work is supported by an online help facility and tutorial guidance notes. The system will eventually incorporate some degree of assessment of a student´s understanding and feedback as to their performance
