A web-based laboratory on control of a two-degree-of-freedom helicopter

In this paper, we discuss the design and implementation of a series of linear or nonlinear controllers for a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) helicopter through a web-based laboratory. The physical structure of the 2DOF helicopter makes it ideal platform for implementing and evaluating control strategies such as proportional-integral-derivative control (PID), fuzzy control and general state space feedback control. Thus, it is appropriate for all levels of university education and research. The web-based laboratory on helicopter is currently being utilized in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore. The system is particularly beneficial to part-time students, who are unable to access to the University laboratory facilities during normal operating hours. The web-based laboratory on helicopter, together some other laboratories implemented earlier, can be accessed at the web site http://vlab.ee.nus.edu.sg/vlab.