Case Study: EPFL achieves reliable Hyperloop pod control with National Instruments CompactRIO and LabVIEW

The EPFLoop Using CompactRIO to Control a SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Prototype

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL) required a fault-tolerant and time-deterministic control system for a prototype hyperloop pod to compete in a SpaceX-sponsored global competition. The challenge was to develop a sophisticated and reliable system to validate pod performance and ensure safe steering during high-speed test runs.

National Instruments provided the solution using their CompactRIO platform and LabVIEW Real-Time software. This setup enabled the EPFLoop team to rapidly develop a robust control system that managed over 20 devices and employed a resilient navigation algorithm. As a result, the team passed all SpaceX tests, finished first in the testing week phase, and ultimately took third place overall out of 5,000 competing teams.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL)

Mario Paolone

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL)