Abstract:

It is desirable that engineering students develop a deep understanding of the limitations of theoretical models and computational simulations to analyze and design engineering systems and applications. It is also required, for the modern engineer, to have relevant skills for the so called Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0, which entails digitization of the manufacturing sector driven by the rise of data, or big data, connectivity, and human machine interaction. Remote laboratories allow to design learning experiences by interfacing students with physical systems through a digital network connection. Thus, learners can confront the predictions of theoretical models and computer simulations with the actual performance of the system. Moreover, the incorporation of a remote lab as a didactic resource offers students the opportunity to approach technologies from, and to enhance skills for, Industry 4.0. Kinematic analysis is an intrinsic task in the design of mechanical devices, mechanisms, and machines; thus, this work aims to fulfill these two formative aspects by means of a remote laboratory for the kinematic analysis of a mechanical system. The remote lab consists of a rapid prototyped model of a crank slider mechanism, driven by a servomotor, sensed by an ultrasound displacement sensor, and controlled by an Arduino-type microcontroller. A user interface was developed so that students can connect through a network, interact with the mechanical system, and manipulate its driving parameters; through this interface a data file, containing sensor measurements, can be retrieved for further analysis. A lab report was requested which allowed the instructor to identify conceptual challenges where students needed feedback. Furthermore, the remote lab proved to be a successful resource to explore the discrepancies between theoretical and computational simulations with an actual mechanical system. Also, the remote lab can be used as a tool to develop technical knowledge and skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Keywords:

Engineering, education, remote laboratory.