Delivering continuous manufacturing education and training via an Internet-based distributed virtual laboratory

This research considers the application of a distributed virtual laboratory (DVL) to deliver continuous education and training in manufacturing-related disciplines via the global Internet. This presentation begins by reviewing motivations for the research. A pilot implementation of the DVL that employs a networked client-server approach using readily available information technologies is then described. An assessment case-study application of the DVL within the training center of a Pittsburgh-area industrial engineering consulting firm is considered. Results from this study suggest that implementations of the distributed virtual laboratory may be feasible alternatives to face-to-face continuous manufacturing education and training