2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper discusses the design and construction of a multi-actuator, open source education platform to enhance undergraduate mechatronics curriculum experience in the area of actuator technologies. Utilizing hands-on learning as the primary pedagogical approach, students gain applied knowledge in mechatronics by fostering the development of critical engineering skills. The proposed laboratory curriculum encompasses a single laboratory test platform for the study of fundamental actuator technologies, including direct current brushed motors, steppers, and radio control servo motors generally taught in an undergraduate mechatronics. An all-in-one motor test station design as a hands-on learning tool to characterize and operate different actuator technologies with defined learning outcomes can be expensive and time-consuming endeavor for educators to develop. Our proposed actuator test platform enables the execution of multiple learning-centered experiments on various motor types for rapid laboratory development. The proposed motor test station facilitates a brushed motor, allowing students to learn how to integrate different motor drive modes such as drive-coast, drive-brake, and locked anti-phase. Similarly, the platform supports hands-on implementation of full-step, half-step, and micro-step drive modes for the fundamentals of stepper motor control. Additionally, the servo motor offers a control system actuator with feedback sensing, providing students with practical experience in control system development using low-level microcontrollers commonly employed in mechatronics. Experimental verification was conducted to analyze the onboard encoder and current sensing, enabling accurate modeling and system characterization performance analysis aligning with student learning objectives. Our open source design houses a direct current brushed motor, radio control servo motor, and a two-phase stepper motor on a 20 cm by 20 cm printed circuit board with LED status indicators. A 40-pin ribbon cable with test platform pin access can be mounted to a breadboard for motor control learning development. Instructions of the test platform’s mechanical design, integrated circuit and wiring diagram, and lab curriculum will be accessible on GitHub for engineering educators to incorporate this educational tool within their engineering program. In conclusion, this proposed mechatronics motor test platform promises to significantly enhance education accessibility, serving as an invaluable learning tool for mechatronics students in a hands-on laboratory setting.