Wonders of Control Systems Engineering via Drone Flying and Electric Vehicles

Activity Organizers

Dr. Sudhansu Kumar Samal, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India; sudhansu.samal@cutm.ac.in

Prof. (Dr.) R. C. Mohanty, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India; rcmohanty@cutm.ac.in

Prof. (Dr.) Sujata Chakravarty, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India; sujata.chakravarty@cutm.ac.in

IFAC Sponsor: ACDOS (IFAC NMO for India)

Description

The workshop titled "Wonders of Control Systems Engineering via Drone Flying and Electric Vehicles" was a three-day event (December 16 - 18, 2024), organized by the School of Engineering & Technology (SoET) at Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Bhubaneswar. Sponsored by the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC) in collaboration with the Automatic Control & Dynamic Optimization Society (ACDOS), this event aimed to explore advancements in control systems engineering. The theme revolved around the practical applications of control systems in drones and electric vehicles, emphasizing their real-world relevance and transformative potential.

This workshop primarily targeted senior high school students and pre-undergraduate students from various institutions, including participants from Bhadrak Engineering School, Zenith Institute of Science and Technology, Government Polytechnic Bargarh, and several Kendriya Vidyalaya. Approximately 130 students attended, including participants from CUTM’s various campuses. The sessions were curated for budding engineers and technologists, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical exposure.

The core objective of the workshop was to ignite interest and curiosity in control systems engineering, demonstrating how the discipline is pivotal in fields like aerospace, automotive, robotics, and sustainability. The event sought to:

• Educate participants on the basics of control systems.
• Demonstrate practical applications through real-world examples such as drones and electric vehicles.
• Encourage interdisciplinary learning to nurture innovation.
• Inspire the next generation of engineers to explore career opportunities in automation, optimization, and related technologies.

The workshop agenda was as follows:

Day 1 (16 December 2024): Foundations and Applications
Inauguration: Distinguished guests, including Shri Hare Krishna Rath (IEEE, Bhubaneswar), Prof. PSRS Shastry (DRDO), and others, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary learning.

Key Sessions:

• Motivation for Control Systems: Delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Radhakant Padhi from IISc Bangalore, this session explored how control systems stabilize and optimize unstable systems using real-world examples.
• Basics of Electric Vehicles: Dr. Sudhansu Kumar Samal introduced fundamental concepts of electric vehicles, covering battery management systems, regenerative braking, and sustainability.
• Control Systems in E-Vehicles: Prof. (Dr.) Dayaram Sonawane from COEP Tech University detailed sensor-actuator integration for energy optimization and safety in electric vehicles.
  Drone Assembly and Setup: Conducted by IISc Bangalore experts and CUTM’s Drone Pilot Team, this interactive session allowed participants to assemble and program drones, combining theoretical insights with practical implementation.

Day 2 (17 December 2024): Deep Dives and Simulations
Technical Sessions:

• Autonomous Vehicle Control: Prof. (Dr.) Sachit Rao of IIIT Bangalore virtually discussed advanced control algorithms for drones and mobile robots.
• Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) Simulations: IISc experts demonstrated waypoint flying using SITL, enabling participants to test algorithms in virtual environments before real-world deployment.
• Drone Simulations: CUTM’s team facilitated drone control simulations, teaching flight maneuvers and mission planning in interactive virtual settings.
• Drone Flying: Participants experienced both manual and autonomous drone operations, enhancing their understanding of flight dynamics.

Evening Activities: A quiz reinforced key concepts learned during the sessions, followed by a cultural program showcasing participants' talents, fostering community and collaboration.

Day 3 (18 December 2024): Practical Experience and Closing

• Hands-On E-Vehicle Assembly and Driving: Participants assembled and drove electric vehicles, gaining a deeper understanding of components like batteries and controllers.
• Drone Control Philosophy: Dr. Salahudden from PEC Chandigarh delivered a virtual session on designing robust control systems for drones.
• Valedictory Ceremony: The closing session featured speeches by dignitaries such as Dr. Aiswarya Biswal (Chief Guest) and Prof. Damodar Acharya (Guest of Honor). Highlights included prize distributions for quiz winners and heartfelt feedback from participants, who appreciated the workshop’s practical focus.

In conclusion, the IFAC-sponsored workshop was a resounding success, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications in drones and electric vehicles. Participants left the event inspired, equipped with new skills, and motivated to explore control systems engineering further. The collaborative efforts of CUTM, IFAC, and ACDOS, along with guidance from esteemed experts, ensured the event’s impactful delivery. This initiative not only enriched students' learning but also highlighted the importance of integrating advanced technologies with sustainable practices, laying the groundwork for future innovations.

The valedictory session that brought together participants, distinguished guests, organizers, and coordinators.

Exhilarating session on "Drone Flying Experience Manual Flying of Drones Autonomous Flying of Drones". Participants were provided with an opportunity to experience both manual and autonomous drone flying, gaining hands on expertise in real world drone operations.