Virtual and remote robotic laboratory: Comparative experimental evaluation

Tzafestas, CS; Palaiologou, N; Alifragis, M

dc.contributor.author	Tzafestas, CS	en
dc.contributor.author	Palaiologou, N	en
dc.contributor.author	Alifragis, M	en
dc.date.accessioned	2014-03-01T01:25:29Z
dc.date.available	2014-03-01T01:25:29Z
dc.date.issued	2006	en
dc.identifier.issn	0018-9359	en
dc.identifier.uri	https://dspace.lib.ntua.gr/xmlui/handle/123456789/17680
dc.subject	Distance training	en
dc.subject	Evaluation methodology	en
dc.subject	Remote laboratory	en
dc.subject	Telerobotics	en
dc.subject	Virtual robotic laboratory	en
dc.subject.classification	Education, Scientific Disciplines	en
dc.subject.classification	Engineering, Electrical & Electronic	en
dc.subject.other	Distance education	en
dc.subject.other	Evaluation	en
dc.subject.other	Manipulators	en
dc.subject.other	Mathematical models	en
dc.subject.other	Robotics	en
dc.subject.other	Robots	en
dc.subject.other	Distance training	en
dc.subject.other	Evaluation methodology	en
dc.subject.other	Remote laboratory	en
dc.subject.other	Telerobotics	en
dc.subject.other	Engineering education	en
dc.title	Virtual and remote robotic laboratory: Comparative experimental evaluation	en
heal.type	journalArticle	en
heal.identifier.primary	10.1109/TE.2006.879255	en
heal.identifier.secondary	http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TE.2006.879255	en
heal.language	English	en
heal.publicationDate	2006	en
heal.abstract	This paper describes the development and experimental evaluation of an e-laboratory platform in the field of robotics. The system in its current configuration is designed to enable distance training of students in real scenarios of robot manipulator programming. From a technological perspective, the research work presented in this paper is directed towards the adaptation of concepts and techniques developed in the field of telerobotics and virtual reality, and their integration in such e-laboratory settings. This paper focuses particularly on the educational impact of such systems. The goal is to assess the performance of e-laboratory scenarios in terms of the efficacy of training provided to students. The results of a pilot experimental study are presented, providing a comparative evaluation for three training modalities: real, remote, and virtual training on robot manipulator programming. The experiments were conducted according to an evaluation protocol specially designed for the considered target training task, using scoring charts to obtain quantitative performance measures and assess the performance of the student groups participating in the course. Training, as a dynamic process, is approached according to a classical three dimensional model, and performance scores are accordingly assessed in these dimensions (namely: low-level versus mid and high-level skills and understanding). The obtained results reveal certain differences between the three groups, particularly as related to the low-level skill training score, giving some insight about the training 'dimensions' that are expected to be mostly affected by the absence of physical (or realistic virtual) presence in a real hands-on experimentation. Statistical analysis indicates, however, that, despite these apparent differences, such e-laboratory modules can be integrated quite effectively in practical scenarios, creating virtual training environments that can provide adequate learning elements, as related particularly to mid and high-level skill acquisition. Further work and large-scale studies are still needed, though, in order to explore the extent to which such a general conclusion is valid in different training settings, and to form the basis of a more theoretical evaluation for a comprehensive understanding of the pedagogical differences between real, virtual, and remote learning/training methodologies and experiences. © 2006 IEEE.	en
heal.publisher	IEEE-INST ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS INC	en
heal.journalName	IEEE Transactions on Education	en
dc.identifier.doi	10.1109/TE.2006.879255	en
dc.identifier.isi	ISI:000239745400005	en
dc.identifier.volume	49	en
dc.identifier.issue	3	en
dc.identifier.spage	360	en
dc.identifier.epage	369	en