Web system for control of mechatronic devices

The motivation behind this project is flexible learning for students in a safe manner with optimal utilisation of resources. Previously students were only permitted to access the Robotics Laboratory during supervised periods as specified in the universities Occupation Health and Safety Policy. The web facility generated provides an on-line laboratory in which the students are free to complete their practical work any time the equipment is available. This paper describes how direct control of mechatronic devices is achieved through development of a web-based platform capable of connection to many different devices. In this instance connections have been developed to an Adept robot and a Fanuc 6 axis robot. The connections permit manual control in the different co-ordinate systems through a teach pendant applet, and programming and execution via telenet.