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Session 2166

Development of a Remote Systems and Controls Laboratory

G.G. Parker, M.J. Agostini, M.N. Devarakonda and P.F. Zenner Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (MEEM) Michigan Technological University (MTU)

Abstract

The Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics at Michigan Technological University has developed a remote version of a required undergraduate laboratory that is a practical and relevant component of an engineer’s education. The purpose is to provide a combined mechanical engineering laboratory experience that reinforces the traditional elements of a curriculum—available to everyone, anywhere. As part of a quarter to semester conversion at MTU a Dynamic Systems and Controls laboratory was integrated with the traditionally required textbook course. The goal of the lab was to illustrate some of the abstract concepts of the course using "hands-on” experience. A secondary goal of the lab was to strengthen a student’s understanding of Computer Aided Control System Design (CACSD). The second phase of the development of this lab was to determine and overcome the challenges and barriers of implementing the lab remotely. This paper describes our approach to converting traditional on- site control system labs to remote versions. In addition, limitations inherent to remote experiment execution are described along with our plan for testing and assessing the ability of the remote labs to convey practical aspects of control system phenomena.

Introduction

The Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics at Michigan Technological University developed a required undergraduate Dynamic Systems and Controls laboratory that is a practical and relevant component of an engineer’s education. The purpose is to provide a combined laboratory experience that reinforces the traditional elements of the course. Faculty are directly involved teaching the lecture component of the course and are responsible for the creation of laboratory experiments. Graduate students work closely with these faculty members and teach the weekly labs.

The primary goal of the new lab is to remove some of the abstract nature of a traditional systems and controls course and give “hands on” learning experience. The students need to interact in real time and see the effects of making changes—they need to experiment with freedom and have a relevant experience. The other goal is to enhance the understanding of CACSD by the students. The new lab goals were then expanded to determine its adaptability and effectiveness to a remote, place bound student.

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright! 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Parker, G., & Zenner, P. (2004, June), Development Of A Remote Systems And Controls Laboratory Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13788