Control of mechatronic systems

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 23.01.2026.

Module identifier

11M2235

Module level

Master

Language of instruction

German, English

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

irregular

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

Mechatronic systems are often characterised by significantly 
non-linear behaviour of many coupled control variables. In these cases, classic methods of linear single-variable control are no longer effective. This module introduces linear multi-variable control systems and selected non-linear methods that have proven to be practical for important areas of application in mechatronics (robot control, autonomous vehicles)
.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  • Modelling: multi-body dynamics, systems with locally distributed parameters, natural vibrations, controllability of nonlinear systems, 
    modelling of uncertainties, underactuated systems, stability in nonlinear systems
  • Multi-variable control: modal control, H2, H-infinity control
  • Combination of feedforward and control (flatness-based control, 
    exact linearisation, inverse dynamics)
  • Selected nonlinear methods (iterative learning controllers, gain scheduling, sliding mode control, backstepping)

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
15Laboratory activityPresence-
30LecturePresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
40Preparation/follow-up for course work-
45Creation of examinations-
20Reception of other media or sources-
Graded examination
  • Project Report, written or
  • oral exam
Remark on the assessment methods

Graded examination format: by arrangement with the students.

Several small Matlab programming assignments (homework – not a traditional lab/practicum).

Approximately six attempts.

Exam duration and scope

Project report (written): 5-minute short presentation; written report: 10–20 pages.

Oral examination: see the General Section of the Examination Regulations.

Recommended prior knowledge

Fundamentals of control engineering (controller design for linear systems); fundamentals of mechanical system modeling.

Knowledge Broadening

Graduates have a broad overview of modern control engineering processes and understand the application-specific aspects from a mechatronics perspective.

Application and Transfer

Graduates are able to classify the requirements of mechatronic control systems in the context of modern control approaches. They solve the corresponding problems using suitable software tools and can transfer the results to the mechatronic application problem.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

Graduates are able to understand current scientific literature on the control of mechatronic systems and apply it to new applications.

Literature

  • F. Bullo, A. D. Lewis: Geometric control of mechanical systems: Modeling, analysis and design of simple mechanical control systems. Springer, 2019.
  • J. Lunze: Regelungstechnik 2. Springer, 2020.
  • W. M. Haddad,  V. Chellaboina: Nonlinear dynamical systems and control: A Lyapunov-based approach. Princeton University Press, 2008.
  • J. Adamy: Nonlinear Systems and Controls. Springer, 2024.
  • J. Rudolph: Flatness-Based Control. Shaker Verlag. 2021.

Applicability in study programs

  • Mechatronic Systems Engineering
    • Mechatronic Systems Engineering M.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Rehm, Ansgar
    Teachers
    • Rehm, Ansgar