Course detail
Modeling and Simulation I
FSI-RDO-A Acad. year: 2027/2028 Winter semester
The course is taught in blocks. In the introductory blocks, students learn the MATLAB and Simulink fundamentals needed to build, run and evaluate simple models. After this introduction, each student receives an individual semester project, works on it independently and consults the instructor throughout its development. Later blocks develop methods for modelling dynamic systems, particularly mechanical, electromechanical and controlled systems. Practical sessions also cover control of a DC motor with an encoder from Simulink using the MF624 I/O card.
Language of instruction
English
Number of ECTS credits
8
Supervisor
Entry knowledge
Students are expected to know vectors and matrices, ordinary differential equations, and mathematics and physics at the level of previous studies. No prior knowledge of MATLAB or Simulink is required.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The course is completed with a graded credit. The final grade is based solely on the student’s individual semester project and uses the standard 0–100 point scale. Students complete their projects independently and consult the instructor throughout the process. Assessment considers fulfilment of the project brief, the technical correctness and functionality of the model, the quality of the simulation and the interpretation of results.
Aims
Students will learn about modelling dynamic systems (mechanical, electromechanical and controlled) on a computer. During the course they will acquire knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Linear dynamical systems and their analysis
- Modeling in MATLAB/Simulink environment
- Modeling of controlled systems
- Hands-on experience in controlling a real system using an I/O card from MATLAB/Simulink
This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical use in engineering applications.
Study aids
[1] GREPL, Robert. Modelování mechatronických systémů v Matlab SimMechanics. Praha: BEN – technická literatura, 2007. ISBN 978-80-7300-226-8. (in Czech)
[2] HUMUSOFT. MF 624 Multifunction I/O Card User’s Manual. Online. 2014. Available from: https://www.humusoft.eu/docs/en/datacq/manuals/mf624um.pdf. [cited 2026-11-11]. (in English)
[3] MATHWORKS. Simscape Multibody Documentation. Online. Available from: https://www.mathworks.com/help/sm/. [cited 2026-11-11]. (in English)
[4] PELÁNEK, Radek. Modelování a simulace komplexních systémů. Jak lépe porozumět světu. Brno: Masarykova univerzita, 2011. ISBN 978-80-210-5318-2. (in Czech)
[5] VALÁŠEK, M. et al. Mechatronika. Praha: České vysoké učení technické v Praze, 1995. ISBN 80-01-01276-X. (in Czech)
The study programmes with the given course
Programme B-STI-Z: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's, recommended course
Type of course unit
Lecture
39 hours, optionally
Syllabus
- Direct and inverse kinematics (fkine, ikine)
- Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) parameters
- Robotic Toolbox and UR5 robot
- Practical task on fkine/ikine
- Quaternions
- Kinematics and dynamics of wheeled vehicles
- Dynamics and kinematics of mechanisms (repeat of LR2)
- SimScape (repeat)
- SimScape Multibody
- Solving n equations with m unknowns, ordinary least squares (OLS)
- Systems Identification I.
- Identification of systems II.
- Feedforward control
Laboratory exercise
18 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
7.-12. Experimental work – control of real system from PC
13. Presentation of semestral project, assignment.
Computer-assisted exercise
21 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
- Direct and inverse kinematics (fkine, ikine)
- Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) parameters
- Robotic Toolbox and UR5 robot
- Practical task on fkine/ikine
- Quaternions
- Kinematics and dynamics of wheeled vehicles
- Dynamics and kinematics of mechanisms (repeat of LR2)
- SimScape (repeat)
- SimScape Multibody
- Solving n equations with m unknowns, ordinary least squares (OLS)
- Systems Identification I.
- Identification of systems II.
- Feedforward control