Keywords: Innovative materials and new tools for teaching, Emerging methodologies in learning, Teaching and learning experiences
Abstract: This paper presents the experiences and insights gained from a small-scale implementation of a mini-course on responsible generative AI use in aerospace engineering education. The course, conducted as a 2-hour voluntary lab session at the University of Sevilla, aimed to introduce final-year undergraduate students to AI tools and techniques, focusing on applications such as text generation, code assistance, and data visualization. The course design emphasized hands-on experience, interactive discussions, and the importance of responsible and ethical AI use. Student projects and feedback are analyzed, highlighting the potential and limitations of AI tools in enhancing skills. The paper concludes with implications for aerospace engineering education.

Keywords: Aerospace control systems technology, New teaching/learning theories and models, Evaluation and assessment of student learning
Abstract: The integration of intelligent control techniques into aerospace engineering education remains a challenge. This paper presents a novel approach for teaching intelligent control specifically designed for aerospace engineers, bridging the gap between theoretical foundations and practical applications. The proposed framework encompasses a comprehensive curriculum covering model-based and model-free approaches, leveraging neural networks, reinforcement learning, and other computational intelligence techniques. It emphasizes hands-on experiences through simulation-based exercises, hardware-in-the-loop experiments, and design projects tailored to different aerospace vehicle categories, including multi-rotor UAVs, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and Hypersonic Flight Vehicles (HFVs). The framework also addresses assessment methods, industry collaborations, and case studies to enhance student learning outcomes and prepare them for real-world challenges in intelligent control for aerospace systems.

Keywords: New teaching/learning theories and models, Innovative materials and new tools for teaching, Emerging methodologies in learning
Abstract: Final written examination is the most important part of summative assessment in automatic control courses. Preparation of the examinations with a given number of points according to the concept of Constructive Alignment (which could be the main concept in future automatic control education) takes significant amount of time of the educator and motivates development of a toolkit for automatic compilation of examination problems.

A decision support Matlab/LateX toolkit based on random number generators for selection of examination problems is proposed in this paper to facilitate the alignment. The toolkit allows application of Stepwise Constructive Alignment (a new method proposed in this paper), where the alignment is achieved by a number of software runs associated with random trials. In each step the educator manually selects suitable problems before each run based on evaluation of the random choice from the previous run. Automatic generation of the examination and solutions for the course 'Process control and measurement techniques' is presented as an example.

The developed Matlab/LateX toolkit will be demonstrated during presentation of this paper. Trial version of the toolkit will be available for participants.

Keywords: Virtual educational technology (e.g., virtual labs, e-learning), Innovative materials and new tools for teaching
Abstract: This paper investigates the current issues and shortcomings in aerospace control education, and proposes an exploration of digital approaches to enhance this field. Traditional teaching methods, which primarily consist of theoretical lectures and laboratory experiments, often lack intuitiveness and interactivity, making it challenging to engage students effectively. By integrating the practical outcomes from Zhejiang University's aerospace education and its research experience in aerospace digitalization, this paper suggests leveraging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, to enhance aerospace control education. The aim is to improve teaching efficacy and enhance students' practical skills.

Keywords: Flight simulators, digital twins, Project-based education, Teaching and learning experiences
Abstract: This study aims to develop the content and material for the Group Design Project (GDP) with Digital Twin (DT) technologies, aligned with Future Flight Challenge (FFC) project deliveries involving Cranfield, the emerging Research and Development (R&D) capacities, and the increasing demands for talent and workforce from the industry. The GDP delivery and learning approach, structured as a five-phase process - project and technical management, Concept of Operations (ConOps) and requirements definition, system development, case study and evaluation, and final results - is stated in the paper. This proposed approach has been evaluated with the AAMS 23/24 academic year MSc GDP.

Keywords: Teaching and learning experiences, Autonomous systems, Project-based education
Abstract: This manuscript reports on the positive impact that Artificial Intelligence based challenges are having on the educational and research activities of the u3S laboratory at the University of Bologna, within the framework of degree courses in aerospace engineering. Three examples are discussed from the past academic years, highlighting the benefits along with the challenges, of using AI based competitions as the source of hand-on education to carry out final projects.

Keywords: Autonomous systems, Laboratory equipment, Project-based education
Abstract: In recent years, the transition from traditional aerospace engineering education to other fields, such as renewable energy applications, has gained significant importance for both students as well as educators. This paper presents a design project within an aerospace course for developing a fully controllable wind turbine, applying the principles and techniques from classical aerospace education. The wind turbine design integrates advanced aerodynamic modeling, mechanical design, electronic-, control-, and software-engineering, demonstrating the applicability of aerospace principles in the field of renewable energy. The paper details the design of the miniature wind turbine that is fully controllable in pitch, yaw, and the electric load on the generator, mimicking its utility-size counterparts.

Keywords: Autonomous systems, Automatic flight control, Aerospace control systems technology
Abstract: This paper present the six-degree-of-freedom orbital simulator developed by the students within the course ``Dynamics and Control of Aerospace Vehicles". The paper outlines the rationale and objectives of the course, including the introduction of students to a practical experience in Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) systems through the use of the orbital simulator to perform a Rendezvous and Docking (RVD) maneuver. The simulator models the relative motion of a chaser spacecraft with respect to a target spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), enabling the implementation and testing of diverse GNC algorithms, components, and architectures within the Matlab/Simulink environment. Also, the paper presents a recent master's thesis demonstrating the soundness of the simulator as a basis for advanced research purposes. In this thesis, an autonomous proximity inspection maneuver targeting an uncooperative spacecraft was executed. The study compared the performance of Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Sliding Mode Control (SMC) strategies in tracking a reference trajectory generated by the Lyapunov Guidance Vector Field (LGVF). Furthermore, the impact of different sensor configurations on control performance was evaluated. The results demonstrate the proposed GNC strategy's capability for autonomous maneuver execution, establishing the simulator as a valuable platform for academic and research purposes in the GNC field.

Keywords: Aerospace control systems technology, Laboratory equipment, Project-based education
Abstract: This paper describes how Rutgers University’s SPICEsat (Sloshing Platform for In-Orbit Controller Experimentation) CubeSat mission is being used to excite student interest in control engineering. Many spacecraft rely on large propellant tanks that can slosh, affecting their control. SPICEsat aims to be the first CubeSat to study this phenomenon in zero gravity. The primary mission is to improve our understanding of sloshing dynamics through novel experiments. This will lead to better control systems for future spacecraft. A secondary mission is to provide educational and outreach opportunities throughout the project. Students will gain hands-on experience in modeling, identification, and control by working with SPICEsat data and test-benches specifically developed for this mission.

Keywords: HIL/SIL, Avionics and on-board systems, Teaching and learning experiences
Abstract: This paper presents an in-house simulator, developed by students of Politecnico di Torino, able to perform simulation sessions in any phase of the space product life-cycle through the Loop Simulations. The simulator aims at guaranteeing the verification of a small set using virtual and real models. PhD students build the infrastructure while MSc and Bachelor students focus on the development of single modules. The case study is an educational Cubesat entirely developed by students in their hands-on practice activities inside the Cubesat Team. In particular, it is proposed the design and verification of the ADCS for a 1U Cubesat.

Keywords: Autonomous systems, Aerospace control systems technology, Automatic flight control
Abstract: This paper addresses the problem of estimating non measured quantities in rigid body motion control applications resorting to Kalman filter theory. These quantities include the linear velocity of the rigid body, and external force and torque disturbances applied to its center of mass. The set of sensor measurements (pose and angular velocity readings) is noise-filtered as well. The overall framework consists of a linear time-varying system, shown to be uniformly completely observable, and an exponentially stable nonlinear controller. Simulation results are presented to validate and showcase the attainable performance of the proposed methodology.

Keywords: Automatic flight control, Flight simulators, digital twins
Abstract: This paper presents a web-based quadrotor simulation platform to facilitate automatic control education. The platform employs a client-server architecture. The server is developed using Python to implement numerical simulations, while the client leverages JavaScript libraries to achieve 3D visualization and an interactive user interface. Several built-in control modes based on PID controller are designed in this platform. Moreover, a programming interface is also provided to implement user-defined control algorithms. A key feature of this platform is that the controllers can be adjusted in real-time. The platform can be used to teach and practice automatic control theories such as model linearization, PID controller design, inner-outer loop control strategy, and LQR method. Through virtual control practice using the platform, students can understand automatic control theories better and improve their problem-solving capability.

Keywords: Project-based education, Autonomous systems, Laboratories
Abstract: This paper proposes a project-based learning course utilising multiple quadrotors, aiming to solidify and amplify technical knowledge and develop critical thinking capabilities. The course covers all stages of multi-agent autonomy development, from identifying system requirements, designing software and hardware, to conducting demonstrations in a drone flying arena. During the course, students improves their the ability to critically formulate, solve and evaluate engineering problems as well as gain and apply technical knowledge in all aspects of autonomy such as flight dynamics, control, navigation, guidance, task allocation, situational awareness and communication. An engineering problem is provided as a surveillance mission with multiple quadrotors autonomously searching, detecting, and tracking ground vehicles. The paper details the problem design, course timeline, outcomes, and key lessons learnt from the course.

Keywords: Project-based education, Laboratory equipment, Flight dynamics
Abstract: This paper presents the outcomes of two thesis projects conducted by bachelor students in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Padova. The aim of both projects is to design, develop, implement, and validate laboratory testbenches for characterizing key inertial and actuation parameters of small and medium-sized multi-rotor platforms. By integrating concepts from mechanics, electronics, computer engineering, and automatic control, these activities foster a multidisciplinary understanding of mechatronics engineering. Additionally, the practical nature of the projects reinforces comprehension and real-world application of control theory while enhancing teamwork and communication skills.

Keywords: Aerospace control systems technology, Innovative materials and new tools for teaching, Laboratory equipment
Abstract: Robotics is used to illustrate different guidance laws for interception purpose. Ground mobile robots make it possible to show different trajectories followed by an interceptor robot according to various classic laws of interception and according to the maneuver of a target robot. Furthermore, differential game theory allows one to write advanced guidance algorithms with robustness properties such as described by the saddle point inequality or the Nash equilibrium. Robotics is a particularly interesting tool to demonstrate in the context of a pursuit-evasion game that neither player has an interest in deviating from their optimal strategy (guidance law, escape strategy).

Keywords: Automatic flight control, Teaching and learning experiences, Laboratories
Abstract: The integration of laboratory activities into the engineering curriculum plays a pivotal role in fostering student engagement and comprehension. This paper delves into the development and implementation of educational materials aimed at aiding students in grasping some fundamentals of control theory and flight control of quadrotor UAVs. By providing hands-on experiences in a laboratory setup featuring a lightweight quadrotor equipped with a widely adopted open-source autopilot, students can enhance their comprehension of fundamental control concepts and the practical challenges inherent in flight control systems. The significance of experimental data for verification and validation purposes in modeling and control is underscored. Preliminary feedback and directions for improvement from independent studies at the University of Houston are discussed.

Keywords: Autonomous systems, Project-based education
Abstract: Drones are aerial robotic platforms that have applications in various domains of work and life. They are well appreciated by young people, especially when using them to play games. Mixing learning and entertainment has proven to be an efficient way of motivating students to better understand scientific curricula. This paper proposes a game development-based approach aiming to promote robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to prospective engineering students and contribute to their motivation to pursue curricula in these fields. The game considered in this paper is a "Rock-Paper Scissors" (RPS) game involving an autonomous drone in interaction with human players. It was implemented in the context of a student project at ESIEA, a graduate school of Engineering in France, in connection with Robotics and AI curricula. The RPS drone has been used as a demonstrator during an open day at ESIEA, as a way of attracting prospective students by showing them how fun and full of learning outcomes projects in these fields can be. The main features of the RPS drone are presented in the paper, as well as elements of the curricula and learning outcomes related to this project. We also provide feedback from prospective students on the open day, and we present a preliminary study of the impact of the proposed approach on student motivation.

Keywords: Teaching and learning experiences, Project-based education, Autonomous systems
Abstract: This paper presents the lessons learned from a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project in Control engineering, involving Rutgers University (USA) and CentraleSupélec (France). Students from both universities collaborated on advanced control design for fleets of aerial and ground vehicles for mission-specific algorithms, encompassing scenarios like search and rescue, building inspections, and artistic drone shows. The project employed active learning methods, with small, tutored groups working on projects. A unique aspect of this COIL involved a 3-step relay structure: 1/ The French students' teams proposed several theoretical case studies involving advanced control techniques for drones formations. 2/ Co-working activities between French and American students were possible during common online tutorship leading to adapt the initial scenarii. 3/ The American students continued the case studies proposed by the French students, completing the work with experiments on real drones. The international component of this COIL set a higher expectation from the students and motivated them to work harder to represent themselves and their respective universities as well.

Keywords: Project-based education, Teaching and learning experiences, Aerospace control systems technology
Abstract: In a rapidly changing world, engineers must identify societal needs, solve problems with ingenuity, and create new knowledge. While conventional taught-based courses provide a solid foundation of knowledge, they often fall short in stimulating creative thinking, translating theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions, and fostering leadership and teamwork. This paper proposes a project-based learning course designed to solidify and amplify the technical knowledge gained in preceding taught-based modules while developing essential soft skills. The course covers various stages of designing a reusable launcher-like demonstrator, aiming to simulate take-off and pinpoint landing operations using drone technology. This involves identifying system requirements and designing both software and hardware components. Throughout the course, students enhance their ability to critically formulate, solve, and evaluate engineering problems. They gain and apply technical knowledge in all aspects of drone technology, including flight dynamics, control, navigation, guidance, situational awareness, and communication. Additionally, students explore key aspects of systems engineering practices, risk management, and time management. This paper details the problem design, course timeline, outcomes and key lessons learned from the course.

Keywords: Aerospace control systems technology, Automatic flight control, Teaching and learning experiences
Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive modeling and control approach to enable an effective use of multirotor UAVs in both research and educational settings. The main focus lies in the development of a simple yet sufficiently accurate mathematical model capturing the essential features inherent in multirotor UAV dynamics. Special attention is devoted to modeling uncertainties to facilitate the design of robust and adaptive control strategies. A hierarchical control framework is proposed to streamline the design, tuning, and implementation of various control laws, thereby enhancing the ease of use and versatility of the UAV systems. Experimental activities conducted as part of a master-level course on adaptive control at Politecnico di Milano serve to validate the proposed modeling and control strategies. These activities offer students hands-on experience in implementing and fine-tuning control algorithms on real multirotor UAV platforms, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications.