Virtual Environment for Simulation of Automation and Control Algorithms

The current needs in engineering education have
led to developing new forms of teaching, including the use of
virtual laboratories based on simulation technologies. This
paper proposes a straightforward approach to complement
existing control resources and processes in control and
automation laboratories with virtualized counterparts. Instead
of presenting a fully featured system for a commercial
simulator, the advantage of our approach is that it can be
easily replicated for each problem, process, scenario or kit in
an automation laboratory. This allows dealing with such
problems as overcrowded classes, resource scarcity, and the
need for a more agile way of curriculum adaptation to meet the
pace of technology development.