Remote access laboratory for teaching robotics

This paper presents the remote and distributed laboratory for robotics learning, developed at the Universities of Valle and Quindo (Colombia). The laboratory allows the students of both universities to develop programming, supervision and visualization skills using the Pioneer3DX robot as a mobile platform, and the Mitsubishi RV-2AJ robotic arm as a manipulator. The user has also access to video and/ or 2D environment representations in real time. The software tools developed allow collaborative use of expensive robotic platforms between students, researchers and faculty members, and it offers the opportunity to develop multidisciplinary research and educational activities between both universities.