Remote Laboratory for Learning on Automation of Systems and Control Process with Easy Access and Low-Cost

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many public and private institutions including universities which have suspended on-campus activities. This situation has encouraged universities to digitalize their laboratories practices since they are essential for students to complement theoretical knowledge. This paper describes the implementation of a remote laboratory for learning automation systems and operational process control from anywhere in the world. It is based on a client-server architecture and includes a module, a computer server, and a camera. This laboratory allows students to control and supervise the process of transport, selection, handling, and storage of metal and plastic objects. It is implemented with different security systems to avoid malfunctions. Also, it has an electrical and mechanical protection independent of the control system of the students to avoid damages to its moving components. This remote laboratory was developed at the Pedro Paulet Institute for Astronomical and Aerospace Research (IAAPP) to be used in the Control & Instrumentation Laboratory of the National University of San Augustin of Arequipa (UNSA).