A Remote Laboratory for an Advanced Robot Programming Course

This paper presents results of an investigation into delivery methods of a laboratory course to distance education students An advanced robot programming course at the master's level is delivered to highly qualified students all possessing technical degrees at the bachelor's level.The course contains a significant laboratory component where students program two industrial robots (A PUMA 560 and a Staubli RX90) each positioned to manipulate objects on a shared conveyor utilizing information from a variety of sensors.The authors developed a prototype system for conducting this laboratory remotely using the Elluminate learning suite and a configuration of off-the-shelf camera and audio equipment, then tested the system by completing one of the assigned laboratory exercises.This paper presents the details of the laboratory exercise and the system developed to conduct the laboratory remotely.The authors present the technical considerations encountered when developing the remote laboratory and their experiences in completing the laboratory exercise remotely.The paper concludes with an analysis of the project and a discussion of future plans.