Engmark, Hans (The Norwegian University of Science and Technology), Pedersen, Morten Dinhoff (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)), Varagnolo, Damiano (NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

Promoting Active Learning of Competences in Control Engineering with Take-Home Maglev Labs

Scheduled for presentation during the Plenary Session "Plenary lecture: Damiano Varagnolo - Experimental labs/virtual labs in control" (FrPL), Friday, June 20, 2025, 09:00−09:30, Room F09

14th IFAC Symposium on Advances in Control Education, June 17-21, 2025, Budapest, Hungary

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on June 20, 2025

Abstract

We present a set of potential Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) and associated Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs) for a low-cost, portable, open-source magnetic levitation (maglev) lab designed to support hands-on learning in control engineering.

Beyond outlining how this platform can provide students with practical experience, we share insights from our classroom implementation. Specifically, we discuss how the setup aids in intuition development in system modeling, controller design, and stability analysis, along with recommendations for making it engaging and interactive.

We also highlight how the lab’s reconfigurable nature enables experimentation with different configurations and control strategies, making it suitable for various inquiry-based learning techniques.

Finally, we describe how the lab has been integrated into coursework, present student feedback on accessibility and practicality, and report preliminary findings on its effectiveness in promoting self-efficacy.