Online laboratory for learning control systems based on PLCs

This project aims to create an online laboratory environment dedicated to teaching control systems through the use of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Traditional laboratory courses in industrial automation and control engineering often require students to be physically present to interact with PLC hardware, sensors, actuators, and controlled processes. However, such setups are costly to maintain, limited in capacity, and may restrict learning to scheduled lab hours. The proposed online laboratory addresses these limitations by allowing learners to access real PLC hardware and high-fidelity simulations remotely, providing flexibility, scalability, and wider availability.

The online lab will combine virtual experimentation tools with remote hardware access. Students will be able to connect to PLC units through a secure web interface, upload ladder logic or function block programs, execute them, and observe system responses through live video streams, dashboards, and data visualization tools. Digital twins and process simulations will be used to represent industrial systems such as conveyor belts, mixing tanks, robotic arms, or sorting mechanisms. This approach allows experimentation without risk of equipment damage while still maintaining the realism of industrial environments.

The platform will include structured learning modules, ranging from introductory PLC programming to advanced control system design. Tutorials will guide learners through basic logic operations, timers, counters, PID control loops, and integration with sensors and actuators. Assessment tools and automated feedback will help reinforce learning outcomes. Instructors will have the ability to design custom lab exercises, monitor student progress, and manage experiment scheduling.

One of the project's central goals is to support collaborative learning and institutional cooperation. The online laboratory can be shared across multiple universities, technical institutes, and training centers, greatly reducing the need for each institution to invest in specialized hardware. Furthermore, industry partners can use the platform to train technicians and engineers in modern automation practices without interrupting production environments.

The proposed system will be built using reliable industrial PLC platforms, robust networking infrastructure, and intuitive web-based interfaces. Security, safety, and real-time communication will be prioritized to ensure that remote operations are smooth and controlled. The architecture will allow future expansion, including the addition of more PLC models, real industrial sensors, and new virtual process environments.

Ultimately, this project will enhance access to high-quality, practical automation education, enable flexible and self-paced learning, and help prepare students and professionals for real-world industrial control challenges.