Abstract:
Experimental laboratories for automation
training represent a big investment. The reason for huge
investment are the high cost for different multiple devices
inside of automation solution and the cost for extensive
engineering. Beside of the costs, usually, the number of
working stations does not fit the required number of the
students, which must be trained. In this case, the same
exercises have to be repeated several times.
E-learning laboratories are a very cost-effective solution in
order to face those problems. This paper describes how this
objective can be achieved, by implementation of a WBT
server (WBT - Web-Based Training server) and OPC server
architecture. The idea behind a remote laboratory is to use
the web technologies and internet as the communication
infrastructure in order to perform experimental part of
education with programmable automation devices.
For practical exercises a digital 3D twin of a machine has
been created, using NX CAD software. Through a developed
OPC interface students can practice programming tasks of a
PLC on a virtual CAD model. Different models are stored on
the WBT server and can be accessed by students from any
location via Internet services. Students do not have to be
present at the real machine but can practice their
programming tasks from anywhere on virtual models
