Implementation of Remote Laboratories for Industrial Education

Abstract

Rapidly changing economics and fast progress in technology require from engineers employed in industry that they constantly refresh and update their professional knowledge. Remote laboratories with learning management systems are very suitable for such industrial education, although they are very rarely used in practice. In this contribution, two solutions for industrial education are presented and evaluated. The first solution is from the University of Maribor, Slovenia. Two different learning platforms with integrated remote laboratories offer courses in basic mechatronics. Courses are applied towards the training of professionals from Slovenian and Austrian industry. The second solution is from the Biel Academy of Applied Science, Switzerland. It is based on the Moodle learning management system and upgraded by the virtual classroom and remote laboratory. Specialized courses that offer a qualification for work with Programmable Logic Controllers are successfully applied in the training of specialists, employed by Siemens, Switzerland. Based on the encouraging results and observed needs of the training participants, a possible future development of remote laboratories and distance learning for industrial education and other potential industrial applications are discussed.