WM9N9-15 Automated Systems and Control
Introductory description
This module addresses the challenges in automated systems and control to enable a smooth transition between automated to autonomous vehicles. It gives insight into systems modelling and how the nonlinearities such as tyre-road interaction, actuator dynamics affect the system design from advanced automated control system prospective. Then, details how adaptive strategies including machine-learning based methods could be adopted to design intelligent adaptive systems for improved vehicle autonomy.
Module aims
The aim of the module is to provide a comprehensive understanding and practical experience of automated systems and control within an automotive context. Developing both theoretical and practical understanding of the automated systems and adaptive, self-learning control system design by establishing effective connection with the concepts such as sensor fusion, machine-human interaction and machine learning learnt from other taught modules.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Multi Physics System Simulation within the electrical, mechanical and hydraulic domains.
- Physical Modelling using ordinary differential equations (ODE's) and state variable block diagram modelling methods for both linear and non-linear systems.
- Eigen-value calculation & transfer-function analysis of physical automotive systems within the frequency domain and time domain.
- Numerical integration methods including solver selection and its impact on simulation stability and accuracy.
- Machine learning-based self-tuning/adaptive strategies for automated systems.
- Design of adaptive control systems for automated vehicles.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the practical application of the different approaches to mathematical modelling and analysis of physical systems. (AHEP4, M1, M2, M3)
- Derive and analyse transfer function and state space models for control system design. (AHEP4, M2, M3, M5)
- Critically evaluate different estimation approaches and demonstrate understanding in model linearization and parameter estimation methods. (AHEP4, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M17)
- Critically evaluate different adaptive control strategies, ranging from classical to intelligent approaches to attain increased autonomy. (AHEP4, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M17)
- Develop skills to design an adaptive control system for automated vehicles. (AHEP4, M4, M5, M6, M17)
Indicative reading list
Control System Design Guide Using Your Computer to Understand and Diagnose Feedback Controllers by George Ellis (ISBN: 9780123859211). Applications of Intelligent Control to Engineering Systems by K. Valavanis (ISBN: 9789048130177). Linear Algebra by Larry Smith (ISBN:9781461272380).
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
- Understand dynamical systems,
- How to model electrical, mechanical, thermal, fluid systems as analogous systems,
- Numerical methods to solve ordinary differential dynamical systems
- Evaluating different adaptive strategies
- How to design an adaptive control system for an automated vehicle.
- Evaluating the challenges in implementing adaptive strategies in real-time.
-
MATLAB programming
Transferable skills
- Technology literacy
- Dependability
- Communication
- Adaptability
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 18 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Tutorials | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Demonstrations | 2 sessions of 1 hour (1%) |
| Online learning (scheduled sessions) | (0%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Private study | 48 hours (32%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Student is expected to revisit/review required engineering mathematics to understand the building-blocks of system modelling and analysis.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Automated Vehicle Control System Design | 70% | 42 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
A proposal on adaptive control systems for automated vehicles in the perspective of their design, testing and implementation. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
|||
| System Modelling and Analysis | 30% | 18 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
It consists of a number of questions covering the following: |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
Written feedback.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
-
TESS-SP Short Programme
- Year 1 of SCAV Short Course (AV)
- Year 1 of SCAV Short Course (AV)