The course introduces:
Basic aspects of distributed control, such as real-time systems and time-critical communication.
Design and implementation of distributed control of mechatronic systems such as robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, etc., specifically with respect to their intrinsic (real-time) characteristics and the use of open frameworks dedicated to this.
Critical evaluation of distributed systems and their functionality, specifically from fault tolerance and reliability engineering principles.
The course is made up of:
Lessons about basic aspects, design and implementation, and critical evaluation of distributed control.
A project assignment where students work in teams to design and implement mechatronic systems, as well as their distributed control, to solve tasks within e.g. time- or safety-critical constraints.
An individual report in which students reflect on the effect of uncritical use of idealised models of distributed control.