Case Study: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute speeds development of robotic control systems with MathWorks (MATLAB & Simulink)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Speeds the Development of Robotic Control Systems

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) needed a consistent, accessible development environment to teach robotics and support undergraduate, graduate, and faculty research despite students’ varying programming backgrounds and frequent team turnover. To address challenges like integrating computer vision, image processing, control design, and data analysis without switching tools, RPI adopted MathWorks products—primarily MATLAB and Simulink along with toolboxes such as Computer Vision System Toolbox, Image Processing Toolbox, and Control System Toolbox.

MathWorks’ MATLAB and Simulink were used across coursework and research to develop, test, and deploy control algorithms (including using MATLAB Compiler for Robot Raconteur integration) on platforms from Geomagic Touch to Baxter, Motoman, and the Zeno humanoid. The MathWorks tools enabled quicker iteration, easier handoff between student teams, and integrated debugging and visualization, resulting in shortened development time, fewer integration errors, and immediate feedback for students and researchers.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

John Wen

Head of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department