An MQTT-Based Interface for Remote Control of GPIB Instruments: Ensuring User Experience in Augmented Reality and Metaverse Laboratories

This paper presents an MQTT-based interface for remote control of GPIB-compliant instrumentation, designed to ensure that its integration does not degrade the user experience in remote laboratories. The system consists of an ESP32-based hardware interface with a GPIB connector, a Wi-Fi module, and an electronic control unit to manage communication with remote clients. The software architecture uses the lightweight MQTT protocol for data transfer, enabling real-time access to measurements and remote commands without significant latency or added complexity. A key focus is to assess whether the interface affects the usability and responsiveness of remote sessions. The system translates IEEE 488 commands into MQTT messages, enabling seamless integration with IoT infrastructures and supporting both read and write operations. To ensure reliability, the firmware includes a watchdog timer to prevent system hangs and autonomously manages network connectivity. The aim is to demonstrate that the proposed solution can improve remote control efficiency without compromising user experience intuitiveness or performance.