Remote laboratories: new technology and standard based architecture

Abstract

E-Laboratories are important components of e- learning environments, especially in scientific and technical disciplines. First widespread E-Labs consisted in proposing simulations of real systems (virtual labs), as building remote labs (remote control of real systems) was difficult by lack of industrial standards and common protocols. Nowadays, robotics and automation technologies make easier the interfacing of systems with computers. In this frame, many researchers (such as those mentioned in [1]) focus on how to set up such a remote control. But, only a few of them deal with the educational point of view of the problem. This paper outlines our current research and reflection about remote laboratory modelling.