Low-Cost Remote Laboratory for Robotics Undergraduate Learning during Covid Context

Abstract

The article proposes to develop, and implement a low-cost, open-source robotics' remote laboratory, to improve online, and hybrid STE learning experience facing COVID-19 context. Electronic modules were developed using digital fabrication, and a Raspberry Pi 4 as a core. Enabling students to connect by a remote access via a VNC port, and control robot elements to complement theoretical content controlling sensors, and actuators using Python scripts. The project was implemented in two iterations, fitting data security, and network accessibility requirements. Those features, in comparison to other state-of-the-art proposals developed outside of South America, highlight our proposal as a low-cost, and open-source alternative suitable to replicate in different resource-constraints context, and to other advanced STE courses.