MathWorks has said that Simulink models can now run directly on Arduino, BeagleBoard, and Lego Mindstorms Nxt platforms. These popular, low-cost devices are widely used in academia for hands-on teaching of robotics, mechatronics, audio signal processing, computer vision, and other engineering applications.

Simulink models can run standalone on these hardware platforms or in tandem with a connected PC. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and
embedded systems.

“Simulink built-in support for hardware is a big boost to project-based learning. Our engineering students who learn control theory by creating and running models in Simulink can now easily test and tune their algorithms on hardware, without knowing embedded systems,” said Dr. Farid Golnaraghi, professor and director of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University.

“Multifunction microprocessor boards are a tremendous learning resource. Adding targeted support was a logical step, given the widespread use of model-based design with Simulink in engineering schools and industry. With Simulink and a low-cost Arduino, BeagleBoard, or Lego Mindstorms Nxt robot, a student can learn industry best practices for DSP, robotics, and mechatronics design,” said Tom Gaudette, principal academic evangelist at MathWorks.

Simulink provides built-in support for Arduino Uno and Mega 2560 microcontroller boards for robotics, mechatronics, and hardware-connectivity tasks; BeagleBoard-xM single-board computers for audio, video, and digital signal processing, and, Lego Mindstorms Nxt robotics platform for robotics applications.

Simulink built-in support for hardware is available in MathWorks Release 2012a, including Matlab and Simulink Student Version.