MathWorks Announces Built-in Simulink Support for Arduino, BeagleBoard, and LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT

With one click, engineers run Simulink control system and signal processing algorithms in hardware

NATICK, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MathWorks today announced 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.

“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.”

“Simulink built-in support for hardware is a big boost to project-based learning,” said Dr. Farid Golnaraghi, professor and director of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University. “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.”

“Multifunction microprocessor boards are a tremendous learning resource,” said Tom Gaudette, principal academic evangelist at MathWorks. “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.”

Simulink provides built-in support for the following platforms:

• 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
• 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. Visit www.mathworks.com/products/simulink/simulink-targets for additional information.

About MathWorks

MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 2400 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA.

For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.

MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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