Virtual Lab Environment for Programmable Logic Controllers Training

Abstract

Virtual environments for educational and training purposes have become a trend in the last decade as an alternative to traditional pedagogic methods. In this work, a framework for the design of a virtual training system from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and its integration in a virtual environment based on Unity and Computer Aided Design (CAD) modeling is presented. The system presents a 3D environment of an Automation and Control Lab and virtualization of a PLC interface with interactive digital and analog inputs and outputs. A Ladder Diagram (LD) interface for the user to address the mentioned PLC elements is also presented. A System Usability Scale (SUS) test was carried out to determine system functionality and usability, the system and the test were applied to a group of 65 participants. 15 participants evaluated the 3D environment while the other 50 evaluated the PLC and the LD interface. The obtained results show an average of 73.19 and 75.8 points respectively in the SUS tests, making it possible to determine that the usability and functionality of the systems are in a good position.