Thursday, 07 August 2025
Postgraduate students from the 糖心原创’s Faculty of Engineering recently took part in a hands-on workshop on Model-Based Design, delivered in collaboration with , the developers of MATLAB and Simulink.
Held at University Park, the session gave MSc Engineering students the opportunity to work in teams to build a digital twin of an adaptive suspension system using Simscape, and to design appropriate control algorithms to meet performance targets.
The workshop was led by Dr Andrew Redfearn and Dr George Amarantidis Koronaios from MathWorks and offered an industry-grade challenge grounded in real-world engineering applications.
Dr Andrew Redfearn at MathWorks said: “Students worked in small teams to model an active suspension system using Simscape and design a PID controller in Simulink. The hands-on format encouraged teamwork and problem solving, with every group successfully completing the challenge.
The energy and engagement in the room were fantastic, and it was a pleasure to support students as they explored new tools and concepts. We look forward to building on this success and developing further opportunities for students to gain practical experience in model-based engineering.鈥�
What is Model-Based Design — and why does it matter?
Model-Based Design (MBD) is a development methodology that uses models as the central part of the design process to specify, simulate, test, and automatically generate code for complex embedded systems.
By leveraging tools such as Simulink, Simscape, and Stateflow, engineers can validate designs early, iterate quickly, and maintain traceability from requirements to implementation - all within an integrated modelling environment. For today’s engineering graduates - particularly those entering sectors like automotive, aerospace, robotics, and energy - proficiency in Model-Based Design and such simulation tools is increasingly essential.
This is a great example of how academic-industry collaboration can directly benefit student learning. It was brilliant to see the enthusiasm and curiosity postgraduate students brought to the session. Initiatives like this both enhance technical skills, but also help students prepare for impactful careers in industry.鈥�
Enhancing the MSc student experience
The session is part of the Faculty’s ongoing efforts to embed industry-relevant skills and digital tools into the MSc curriculum. Students not only tackled a technical challenge but also developed key competencies in teamwork, systems thinking, and applied control theory - all highly valued in engineering roles globally.
Model-Based Design is at the heart of how complex systems are developed in industry today - from electric vehicles to aerospace and robotics. We鈥檙e grateful to MathWorks for supporting our teaching. Workshops like this bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations by giving students experience with real-world tools and engineering workflows.鈥�
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Ahmed Tamkin Butt on Ahmed.Butt@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.