Automatic Control Laboratory

Open Opportunities

Simultaneous model learning and control using Benders cuts ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory The area of approximate dynamic programming seeks to compute near-optimal value functions for control problems, which can then be used to control the system. This project will implement a method for simultaneously learning the dynamics of a robotic system (a quadrotor) and controlling its flight. Calculus of Variations and Control Theory, Control Engineering, Dynamical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Flight Control Systems, Flight Dynamics, Knowledge Representation and Machine Learning, Optimisation, Process Control and Simulation, Systems Theory and Control, Systems Theory and Control Master Thesis

Embedded Predictive Control of Quadcopters ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory The aim of this project is to implement a real-time numerical solver for quadratic programs (QPs) on an embedded system. The solver will be used for model predictive control (MPC) of nano-quadcopters. Such implementation will enable a full autonomy of these devices. Engineering and Technology, Mathematical Sciences Semester Project

Data-Enabled Predictive Control of Robotic Systems ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory Other organizations: Robotic Systems Lab As systems are becoming more complex and data is becoming more readily available, scientists and practitioners are beginning to bypass classical model-based techniques in favour of data-driven methods. We wish to explore the world of data-driven methods through implementing a data-driven control algorithm on a real robotic system. Intelligent Robotics, Systems Theory and Control Applications (IfA), Master Thesis, Semester Project, Theory (IfA)

Modeling and identification of Limit Cycle Oscillations in thermoacoustic instabilities ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory Thermoacoustic instabilities are nonlinear phenomena that arise when acoustic waves adversely couple with unsteady heat release, determining the onset of Limit Cycle Oscillations. The project aims at deriving models and system identification approaches for their prediction. Acoustics and Acoustical Devices; Waves, Dynamical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Harmonic and Fourier Analysis, Systems Theory and Control, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics Master Thesis

Research Assistant: Robotic Soccer Team Leader for RoboCup ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory We are searching for a team leader for ETH Zürich's NomadZ robotic soccer team, which play in the Standard Platform League RoboCup. The ideal candidate possesses experience with RoboCup and robotics, as well as a supportive and friendly personality to lead the team. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Student Assistant / HiWi

Modeling, design and control of an experimental travelling wave thermoacoustic machine for energy harvesting ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory Energy harvesting with thermoacoustic engines has a tremendous potential for the development of sustainable and reliable energy systems. In this project, a new solution based on a travelling wave device will be studied from various perspectives, i.e. experimental, numerical, and feedback control. Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Heat and Mass Transfer Operations, Mechanical Engineering Applications (IfA), Computation (IfA), Energy (IfA), Master Thesis

Fast C++ sum of squares optimization toolbox ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory This project is concerned with developing a fast C++ toolbox for sum of squares (SOS), or polynomial optimization problems, which are important mathematical problems that frequently appear in control and other research areas. Control Engineering, Mathematical Software, Optimisation, Process Control and Simulation, Programming Techniques, Software Engineering, Systems Theory and Control, Systems Theory and Control Applications (IfA), Computation (IfA), Master Thesis, Semester Project, Theory (IfA)

Design and deployment of a control board for thermoacoustic experiments ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory Acquisition and real-time manipulation of signals are critical aspects for effective experimental testing. In this work, an in-house solution is sought, which consists of designing a control board able to perform a set of prescribed functionalities. Tests on thermoacoustic machines will be performed. Control Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Semester Project

Statistical analysis of virtual reinforcement capabilities through reactive power control ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory Distributed generation and changing consumption will lead to under/over-voltages, which may force us to shed loads or to curtail generation. Control can mitigate these extreme actions. Using real data, we want to statistically analyze how modern controllers can virtually enforce the grid. Control Engineering, Systems Theory and Control, Systems Theory and Control Master Thesis

[Not published] Modeling and Control of Energy Consumption in Buildings: Thermal and Visual Comfort ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory In the context of global warming, a challenging issue is reducing the amount of energy consumption, specifically in the building sector and meanwhile respecting the existing constraints. This necessitates utilizing advanced modelling techniques and control strategies for buildings energy systems. Control Engineering Master Thesis