Development of hovercraft prototype with stability control system using PID controller

Abstract

Hovercraft is a mode of transportation as an alternative for users who stay on the river dan swamp surface. The problem with hovercraft is when uncertain weather and environmental condition, e.g. wind velocity and wave height disturb stability of hovercraft so as to endanger the driver. We propose a way to maintain the balance of the hovercraft by controlling center of gravity (CG) in the balance position. The controller controls the position of load to balance position. A 6-DOF IMU Sensor MPU 6050 was employed to generate data as a comparison with setpoint. PID control method was used. The test result shows that the prototype of hovercraft was able to keep its balance on the axis orientation of the roll although it was less effective in the pitch axis orientation.