Hands-On Learning with the Low-Cost Bi-Copter: Fundamentals and Advanced Control

This session showcases how a low-cost, Arduino-based balancing bi-copter can make control design and deployment workflows accessible and engaging for students. Using MATLAB® and Simulink^®, students perform system identification, develop and tune controllers, and conduct real-time testing. These skills are directly transferable to more advanced and complex engineering systems, providing students with practical experience for future projects, research, or industry roles.

Wireless operation between MATLAB and Simulink and the bi-copter allows students to send test inputs, collect response data (such as tilt angle), and identify various dynamic models. This hands-on approach helps students understand the importance of design of experiments in system identification and how model accuracy affects controller performance.

The session will cover both foundational control strategies, such as the direct pole placement method based on polynomial algebra, LQR, and PI(D) design, and advanced workflows, such as model predictive control. Participants will also have access to curriculum materials and detailed instructions for building and assembling the bi-copter.