Application of Industrial Remote Access Control Laboratory

Abstract

An industrial-scale remote access control laboratory system was developed to address the potential lack of practical laboratory experience for Control and Automation Engineering (CAE) students at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in response to the coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-2019). The system consists of six fundamental control theory experiments and aims to test fundamental control engineering topics such as mathematical modeling, system identification, controller design, and design comparison. These experiments are integrated into a remote access system using industry 4.0 methodologies, allowing students to use the experiments remotely over web-based user interfaces. The system has necessary capabilities such as remote control, online experimentation, graphs and charts, live camera view, data storage, accessibility options, and security for robust interaction with students. Two surveys were conducted to collect feedback from students who have not used the system and those who have used it for at least a semester. The results of the first survey showed that students appreciate the opportunity of remote-access laboratory usage on control experiments and would consider using it. The results of the second survey demonstrated that the system fulfills the varied requirements of students and received high overall satisfaction. Overall, the demand for an industrial-scale remote access control laboratory has been met, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic environment of engineering education.