The cyber-physical laboratory facility is an arrangement where physical (real) or virtual laboratory equipment can be controlled remotely or virtually over the Internet from a distant location. The user is able to manipulate an experiment and view the experimental results on his/her computer monitor when applicable along with a real-time video streaming and audio feedback. Cyber-physical laboratories offer the dual benefits of permitting the more efficient management of already existing laboratories and facilitating distance-learning programs. Moreover, cyber-physical laboratories allow inter-laboratory collaboration among educational institutions and research centers by providing researchers and students access to a wide collection of experimental resources at geographically distant locations.
For the last few years, there has been a tremendous interest in cyber-physical laboratories. However, factors such as scalability, standardization and global integration, as well as pedagogical issues, have significantly influenced their development. Consequently, a number of issues need to be investigated to develop a modular, effective, versatile, cost effective, pedagogically-embedded, user-friendly, and sustainable cyber-physical laboratory system that can deliver its true potential in the national and global arenas.
The proposed book will provide a collection of research and development work on Internet-based remote and virtual laboratories by world renown academics and researchers working in this field. Following our earlier edited book in the area, this book will provide new developments in this field and provide readers with a clear understanding of the current status of the field and the challenges that need to be addressed. With this scenario, the proposed book will bring current developments as well as future development ideas into the focus of the research and academic communities and, hence, foster wider collaboration within the community.