A Remote Laboratory for Learning with Automatic Control Systems and Process Visualization

This paper presents two complex systems of automatic control and measurement as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of remote laboratory. One platform presents control and torque measurement of a stepper motor and the second model illustrates pumping station with two water tanks and pumps. Both remote control systems allow users to access the real-time data, make implementation using PLC/HMI (Programmable Logic Controllers/Human Machine Interface) controllers and build SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) visualization software to monitor and manage the control process. Presented systems are used on the experimental laboratory education on Chair of Computing Engineering at Poznan University of Technology in Poland. The author presents the philosophy and methodology of using approach, including the implementations details and his experience in using it. The objective is to present remote laboratory kits for teaching and learning some aspects of control systems. Additionally, the security policy that provides multiple access is described and the effectiveness of the platforms in educating students is discussed.