Internet Based Lab Framework Development for Distance Learning in Robotics and Mechatronics Education

Abstract

A number of Internet-based educational tools have been developed to support mechanical education with Internet-based technologies. However, many of these tools have limitations as mostly just visual assistant tools for understanding engineering lectures. This paper describes lab framework development integrated with Internet-based robotics and mechatronics for mechanical education. The development efforts include advanced course and laboratory activities integrated with sensor networks and Internet-based technologies. The instructional materials for Internet-based robotics and automation education utilize Robotics and Mechatronics lab as the experiments of choice. The new Internet-based techniques allow the remotely situated students to program, control, and monitor the mechanical operations through the Internet. The architecture of the Internet-based lab focusing on remote data acquisition and measurement, as well as industrial control and automation applications, is illustrated. Implementation of a remote robotic vision feedback control lab is also described.