Building a Remote Laboratory Using a Practical Example from Undergraduate Engineering Practice

The chair of Industrial Measurement Technology at HTWK Leipzig transitioned to a remote laboratory model for undergraduate engineering students due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing space limitations. Funded by the “Stiftung für Innovation in der Hochschullehre,” the project aims to enable students to interact with real lab equipment remotely, maintaining educational quality and flexibility. A prototype system using the “Guacamole” server software allows secure access to lab devices like oscilloscopes and signal generators through university networks or VPNs. This setup preserves hands-on learning by allowing students to build and test circuits remotely. Preliminary results are promising, with plans to expand and evaluate the system further by March 2024. The project highlights the benefits and challenges of digitizing laboratory experiences while providing insights into the development process.