Internet Based Robotics And Mechatronics Experiments For Remote Laboratory Development

Abstract

This paper describes a series of laboratory experiments in Internet-based robotics and mechatronics, as well as the design, development, and evaluation of an Internetbased laboratory facility to be used to deliver an undergraduate laboratory course for engineering and engineering technology education. Internet-based robotics and mechatronics can be utilized in a wide range of curricula in both engineering and engineering technology programs. Educators are faced with the challenge of providing students with an adequate laboratory experience that will better prepare students for a corporate world where the need for engineers in the quality, service, and information technology industries is increasing. The uniqueness of the newly developed facility is its modularity in design and the use of commercially available hardware and software technologies. The laboratory consists of Yamaha Robots and machine vision systems, Allen Bradley PLC modules, Webcams and sensors, a data acquisition system, mechanical systems, and software applications for monitoring and control. Using this system, one can quickly use an experimental setup for an application problem, view and program the robots, and control robotic and mechanical motions remotely through the World Wide Web. The use of modern sensors and data acquisition instrumentation for monitoring and control of such an application is also beneficial as laboratory practices for undergraduate classes on Web-based gauging, measurement, inspection, diagnostic system, and quality control.