Internet Based Robotics And Mechatronics Experiments For Remote Laboratory Development

Abstract

This paper describes a series of laboratory experiments in Internet-based robotics and mechatronics, as well as the design, development, and evaluation of an Internet- based laboratory facility to be used to deliver an undergraduate laboratory course for engineering and engineering technology education. Internet-based robotics and mechatronics can be utilized in a wide range of curricula in both engineering and engineering technology programs. Educators are faced with the challenge of providing students with an adequate laboratory experience that will better prepare students for a corporate world where the need for engineers in the quality, service, and information technology industries is increasing. The uniqueness of the newly developed facility is its modularity in design and the use of commercially available hardware and software technologies. The laboratory consists of Yamaha Robots and machine vision systems, Allen Bradley PLC modules, Webcams and sensors, a data acquisition system, mechanical systems, and software applications for monitoring and control. Using this system, one can quickly use an experimental setup for an application problem, view and program the robots, and control robotic and mechanical motions remotely through the World Wide Web. The use of modern sensors and data acquisition instrumentation for monitoring and control of such an application is also beneficial as laboratory practices for undergraduate classes on Web-based gauging, measurement, inspection, diagnostic system, and quality control.

The use of Internet-based technologies by industry has grown enormously in recent years1-5. Practically all modern manufacturing organizations use the World Wide Web in one form or another: to design and test product ideas, control industrial processes, inspect parts, automate material handling and certain repetitive tasks, and integrate processes and systems. Engineers are challenged to understand these technologies and their strengths and weaknesses, and apply them in a cost-effective manner. It is also very important that these technologies be integrated via the Internet to maximize their effectiveness6-14.

The Internet-based approach for laboratory development and educational enhancement has been introduced in universities15-20. Drexel University’s Applied Engineering Technology Program received a NSF CCLI grant (2004-2007) to develop laboratory courses in Internet-based robotics and automation. In conjunction with the grant, the course, MET 205 Robotics & Mechatronics, has been developed and offered at Drexel University. This course provides a requisite understanding of Internet-based robotics/automation/machine vision for students to progress to the advanced level in the