Design and Implementation of a Low-Cost Pneumatic Position Control System Using Arduino Uno
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65419/albahit.v5i2.126Keywords:
Pneumatic Systems, Position Control, Arduino Uno, Closed-Loop Control, Industrial Automation, MechatronicsAbstract
Pneumatic systems are vital in modern industrial automation due to their reliability, safety, and ability to provide fast and powerful motion. However, achieving precise position control in pneumatic actuators remains challenging due to air compressibility, nonlinear dynamics, and system delays. This study addresses these challenges by designing and implementing a low-cost closed-loop pneumatic position control system using an Arduino Uno microcontroller, solenoid valves, and position sensors (potentiometers). The system integrates hardware and software solutions with a feedback mechanism to compare the piston's actual position against a setpoint. To improve stability, a fixed tolerance band (previously termed "adaptive tolerance margin" – see correction in Section 3.2) was introduced, preventing oscillations caused by rapid piston movements and relay switching. Experimental results demonstrate reliable and accurate control of piston displacement, with a settling time of approximately 0.48 s and zero steady-state error within the tolerance band, confirming the feasibility of combining pneumatic systems with modern microcontrollers for industrial automation. This project provides a practical and cost-effective approach to enhancing precision in pneumatic control, applicable in robotics, assembly systems, and process automation.
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