A proposal of magnetic levitation system without using sideslip-sensors and actuators in guidance control

In a processing line of thin steel plates, occurrence of scratches on the steel plate-surfaces by mechanical contact becomes a fatal problem. In order to resolve such a problem, our laboratory already proposed the noncontact conveyance system of thin steel plates by means of magnetic levitation techniques. However, there still remain other problems that the sideslip-sensors essential for the guidance control are very expensive and become obstacles in conveyance of steel plates. Thus in this paper, we will propose a guidance control methodology that doesn't require any actuators and any sideslip sensors in a processing line for thin steel plates levitated. In addition, we will conduct these interesting levitation and conveyance experiments for thin steel plates, actually without using any guidance actuators and any sideslip sensors, and we will report these successful results.