# ControlsLab

> Interactive system dynamics and control simulator for engineering education and practice. (iPhone/iPad app by Pedro Resto.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/controlslab/id6763078520 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pedro Resto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895152088)
- Category: Education, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.5 · 1 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-04-26
- Data updated: 2026-07-11
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/controlslab/id6763078520/reviews.md

## What is ControlsLab?

ControlsLab is a professional-grade system dynamics and controls simulator designed for engineering students, educators, and practicing engineers.

Simulate a mass-spring-damper system in real time. Adjust parameters with intuitive sliders and instantly see how the system responds - no coding required, no MATLAB license needed.

FREE FEATURES

SYSTEM SIMULATION
- Mass, damping, and spring parameter control
- Step, ramp, parabolic, and sinusoidal inputs
- Adjustable initial conditions x(0) and dx(0)
- Input signal overlay on time response plot

VISUALIZATION
- Live time-domain response plot
- S-plane pole visualization
- System stability classification
- Overdamped, underdamped, critically damped detection

ANALYSIS MODES
- Open-loop mode: plant driven directly by input
- Closed-loop mode: negative feedback with configurable setpoint

PRO FEATURES - $4.99
One-time purchase, no subscription

PID CONTROLLER
- Full negative feedback implementation
- P, PI, PD, and PID controller types
- Live Kp, Ki, Kd gain tuning with instant response
- Adjustable reference setpoint

FREQUENCY DOMAIN
- Bode plot: magnitude (dB) and phase (degrees)
- Logarithmic frequency axis
- Natural frequency, damping ratio, and bandwidth readouts

WHO IS THIS FOR?

- Undergraduate engineering students studying dynamic systems and feedback control
- Graduate students reviewing control theory
- Professors and educators demonstrating system behavior in lectures
- Practicing engineers doing quick back-of-envelope system analysis
- Anyone curious about how control systems work

ControlsLab turns abstract differential equations into visual, interactive experiences. Move a slider and watch poles migrate across the S-plane. Toggle a controller and see overshoot disappear in real time.

No prior programming experience required.

## Key features

- Real-time system simulation
- Parameter adjustment with sliders
- Live time-domain response plot
- S-plane pole visualization
- Open-loop and closed-loop modes
- PID controller tuning
- Bode plot analysis

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ControlsLab Pro | $4.99 | one-time |



## Frequently asked questions about ControlsLab

### What is ControlsLab?

ControlsLab is a professional-grade system dynamics and controls simulator. It allows users to simulate and visualize various systems, like mass-spring-damper models, and experiment with control loops without needing to write code.

### Who is ControlsLab designed for?

ControlsLab is intended for undergraduate and graduate engineering students studying dynamic systems and feedback control, professors demonstrating system behavior, and practicing engineers performing quick system analysis.

### Does ControlsLab require coding or a MATLAB license?

No, ControlsLab is designed to be used without prior programming experience or a MATLAB license. It provides an interactive, visual experience for understanding control systems.

### What are the free features of ControlsLab?

The free version includes system simulation with parameter control, various input types, adjustable initial conditions, live time-domain plots, S-plane pole visualization, and open-loop/closed-loop analysis modes.

### What does the Pro version of ControlsLab offer?

The Pro version, available for a $4.99 one-time purchase, adds a full PID controller implementation with live gain tuning and adjustable setpoints, as well as frequency domain analysis tools like Bode plots.

### How does ControlsLab help in learning control theory?

ControlsLab transforms abstract differential equations into visual, interactive experiences. Users can directly manipulate system parameters and controllers to observe real-time changes in system behavior, aiding comprehension.

### What devices does ControlsLab support?

ControlsLab is available for iPhone and iPad devices, making it accessible for students and engineers on the go.

### How often is ControlsLab updated?

ControlsLab was last updated on April 26, 2026, with version 1.0. Future updates will likely focus on enhancing features and system compatibility.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2026-04-26

No release notes.

## Related topics

[bode plot](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bode-plot)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-11.*