What is ACE-Lab? | ACE-Lab What is ACE-Lab?
ACE-Lab is a compact, modular platform for practical automatic control engineering. It brings sensing, actuation and embedded control into a repeatable desktop setup, allowing learners to move from hands-on experimentation to modelling, controller design and validation using MATLAB and Simulink.
CompactDesigned for desktop, classroom and project use.ModularBase + Sense and Actuate work together as one platform.MATLAB & SimulinkBuilt around modelling, deployment and control workflows.Progressive ControlMove from sensing and signals to actuation and complete closed-loop control.
Why ACE-Lab?
A practical platform for learning control engineering by doing it.
ACE-Lab connects physical hardware with the modelling and control tools used throughout the learning journey, so practical activity and engineering theory reinforce one another.
Application-led learning
Begin with a physical system and observable behaviour, then introduce the modelling and control concepts needed to understand and improve it.
Repeatable hands-on setup
A compact arrangement keeps sensors, actuators and control hardware organised so activities can be reproduced consistently across learners and locations.
Model-based workflow
Use MATLAB and Simulink to measure behaviour, build models, design controllers, deploy algorithms and compare predicted performance with the real system.
ACE-Lab rigs
Two rigs. One connected learning platform.
ACE-Lab is organised around two complementary rigs. Base + Sense provides the core sensing and embedded platform, while Actuate adds the hardware needed for motion and closed-loop control experiments.
ACE-Lab Base + SenseBuild, measure and understand.
Provides the core desktop platform and sensing components used to explore signals, measurement and system behaviour before progressing into complete control activities.
- Supports introductory sensing and embedded-control activities.
- Provides a consistent arrangement for measurement and experimentation.
- Creates the foundation for modelling, validation and controller development.
ACE-Lab ActuateTurn control outputs into motion.
Adds the actuator hardware needed to move from sensing and measurement into dynamic experiments, controller tuning and complete closed-loop systems.
- Supports DC motor, servomotor and other actuator-based activities.
- Links controller outputs to visible physical behaviour.
- Pairs with Base + Sense for complete control-system experiments.
Get Access to ACE-LabNeed an ACE-Lab?
Start here.
Get access to an ACE-Lab rig for teaching, training or project work, or arrange a set-up conversation to discuss the most suitable configuration.
Learning journey
From physical behaviour to a working control system.
The platform is intended to support a progressive workflow rather than isolated component exercises.
1Observe
Start with the application and identify the behaviour, signals and engineering requirements that matter.
2Measure
Use sensors and embedded hardware to capture real data and understand practical limitations.
3Control
Develop and deploy controllers in MATLAB and Simulink, then test them on the physical system.
4Refine
Compare requirements, simulation and hardware results, then improve the model or controller.
See ACE-Lab in action
DC motor PI speed control.
A complete ACE-Lab setup showing how sensing, actuation and Simulink-based control come together in one experiment.
ACE-Lab full setup with DC motor PI speed control
Watch the physical platform operating as a complete closed-loop control system.
Advancing automatic control engineering education through practical, application-led learning.
