Development of Remote Laboratory System with Multi-degree Viewing Access in Support for Distance Learning Initiative

The project highlights the work on establishing a remote laboratory system that can be operated via the web as part of the effort to support online distance learning programs. To achieve this objective, integration of the hardware, software, and network communication modules was performed, enabling real-time remote access and interaction between the user and the remote infrastructure. The entire system was locally developed which requires linking between a web application software and server software to ensure uninterrupted online communication during the remote activities. The physical interaction within the lab was realized via human interface machine and microcontroller which translate the command given by the user from the web into set of instructions to control and operate the lab. The current prototype has solved the persisting challenges in implementing web-based remote control systems namely data lagging and false data acquisition via the use of server systems and data transfer algorithms. This strategy ensures data integrity and reliability to be displayed to the user in real-time. A new robotic viewing system has been developed and incorporated within the laboratory infrastructure. This new feature allows more freedom in coordinating user viewing flexibility which is crucial in capturing and mimicking the user presence in the lab and during the experimental conduct. The above results provide welcoming perception on the impact of implementing remote labs as part of the continuous efforts to liberate the education platform and promote education without boundaries.