An Innovative Remote-Lab Framework for Educational Experimentation

Abstract

This  paper describes  a flexible and scalable architecture  of  remote  laboratories  developed  for students  for  experimentation  in  educational  institutions,  research  labs  and technology  companies.  The framework and procedures for multi-remote labs environment are explained. The development of the lab client software as a Rich Internet Application (RIA) is described. The utilization of low-cost hardware and software packages to provide the interface to the labs equipment is shown, and the deployment of Web Services as the communication medium between the Lab Server and the Lab Client is presented.

A case study for a remote lab, the Microcontroller Kit Remote IDE, was carried out. Any student can connect to the remote lab and performs each experiment while watching the equipment during execution via a webcam feed. The whole lab is accessible from any PC connected to the internet.