What is the ACE-Box?
- The ACE-Box is an open-access, portable, 3D-printed tool kit enabling students and engineers to learn and apply automatic control engineering (ACE) without needing a full laboratory
- ACE-Box comes in two forms, designed to work together when creating control systems:
- ACE-Box (Base + Sense): Focused on fundamentals and measurement.
- ACE-Box (Actuate): Focused on actuators.
- The two ACE-Boxes package the essential hardware, sensors and actuators so it can be set up on a desk or at home.
- The ACE-Box tools are set up for use with MATLAB & Simulink, enabling practical controller design and experimentation.
ACE-Box (Base + Sense)
- The ACE-Box (base and sense) is illustrated here, with the 16 key components labelled
- The ACE-Box, labelled (1), the securing block, labelled (2) and the tray, labelled (3) are manufactured using 3D printing
- A list of the required components and their sources is also provided above via the link, corresponding to labels (4) to (16).
- Due to the open-source design of ACE-Lab, the library of exercises will continue to expand, supported by contributions from both academia and industry.
ACE-Box (Actuate)
- The ACE-Box (Actuate) is illustrated here with the key actuator components detailed in (a), along with some typical lab set-ups (b, c and d)
- The ACE-Box, the tray, DC motor wheel (attachment) and stepper motor arrow (attachment)are manufactured using 3D printing, with the necessary files available above via the link
- A list of the required components and their sources is also provided via the link
User Endorsement
"ACE-Box provides an exceptional bridge between classroom learning and real-world control engineering practice. The platform is intuitive, easy to use, and highly flexible - enabling students and educators to explore complex control concepts with confidence. ACE-Box helps students move beyond theory, developing the hands-on skills and professional insight essential for modern engineering careers."
Dr Ehsan Azadi, Cambridge Mechatronics, UK
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