Inverted Pendulum Exhibit for the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Abstract

This project involves designing and building a mechatronics exhibit for the Ann Arbor Hands-On museum. The exhibit consists of an inverted pendulum system that utilizes feedback controls in order to balance a free pendulum in its inverted state. The exhibit will be made up of a manual pendulum system, in which patrons will attempt to balance the pendulum on their own, and automatic pendulum system that will use a microprocessor and feedback controls to balance the pendulum. The purpose of the exhibit is for the patrons of the museum to gain an understanding of how a mechatronics system and feedback controls work.