A remote PLC system for e-Learning
Vladimir Lasky, Dikai Liu, Stephen Murray, KW Choy · 2005
E-Learning, a new and rapidly evolving field and a progressive approach is reshaping the ways of engineering teaching and learning (T&L) and primarily facilitated by the internet. It improves students ' access to education and broadens their cultural and social experiences whilst learning. It also provides students unprecedented flexibility in organizing and managing their study. Commencing in June 2001, The Faculty of Engineering at UTS has pursued a strategic focus on E- learning in Engineering Education. One of the main outcomes has been the development of remote ly accessible laboratories for (T&L) in undergraduate engineering courses. This paper presents a recently implemented remote programmable logic controler (PLC) laboratory developed at UTS for the T&L of mechanical and mechatronics engineering students. This laboratory allows students to rapidly reconfigure or reprogram their assigned PLC remotely and immediately observe the outcome of changes on the connected pneumatic hardware. The architecture of the remote PLC control system and two test cases are discussed and demonstrated. Future work and conclusion remarks are also be presented. 1