Course detail

Pneuracer

FSI-0ZP Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester

The course provides a detailed introduction to basic pneumatic systems and their individual elements. Students will get acquainted with the principle of operation of the racing air-powered vehicle – Pneumobil –  and will have the opportunity to build a scale model of the monopost themselves. Students will acquire knowledge and practical skills that are applied in the design of a simple mechanism powered by a pneumatic system. They will learn how to control the mechanism using the Arduino development board and will have opportunities for CAD modelling and 3D printing skills improvement.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Supervisor

Ing. Matúš Ranuša, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of mechanical engineering and CAD modelling.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The students will be evaluated based on regular active participation in exercises and according to the fulfilment of a semester project in laboratory exercises.


Participation in seminars is mandatory. Two absences are allowed in the exercises. A longer absence is replaced by a special assignment according to the instructions of the teacher.

Aims

Students will gain practical experience with the development process of a mechanism powered by compressed air. They will be able to design a simple pneumatic circuit including its control using Arduino.


- Understand the pneumatic circuit and its elements function.
- Gain basic knowledge of system control using Arduino.
- CAD modelling and 3D printing skills improvement.
- Practical experience in the design, assembly, and control of a simple pneumatic mechanism.
- Selected students can participate in the EMERSON Aventics Pneumobil Competition (https://en.pneumobil.hu/content/view/full/1835).

The study programmes with the given course

Programme B-ZSI-P: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
specialization MTI: Materials Engineering, elective

Programme B-ZSI-P: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
specialization STI: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, elective

Type of course unit

 

Laboratory exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Syllabus

1. Introduction to the principle of operation of the racing Pneumobile, test drives.
Assignment of a semester project.
2. SMC Industrial training – basic principles and functions of pneumatic circuits.
3. Workshop SMC Industrial – pneumatic elements and their properties.
4. Workshop SMC Industrial – simple pneumatic circuits – practical demonstrations.
5. Mechanisms and transfers.
6. CAD modelling and 3D printing workshop.
7. Management workshop with the help of the Arduino.
8. – 11. Construction of racing cars – Pneuracer.
12. Application and verification of the acquired knowledge in the student competition.

Exercise

13 hours, compulsory

Syllabus


  • Introduction to the international EMERSON Aventics Pneumobile Competition.

  • Introduction to the workplace, the structure of the subject and the safety of work.

  • Basics of used pneumatic elements and physical principles.

  • Pneumatic diagrams, design of pneumatic circuits.

  • Pneumatic system diagnostics, sensor selection, sensor wiring and evaluation.

  • Construction of pneumatic elements, distribution valves, safety valves, pneumatic cylinders.

  • Theory of racing vehicle construction (engine, gearbox, mechanisms).

  • CAD modelling and assembly

  • Basics of programming of the Arduino development board.

  • Application and verification of knowledge on student projects.