Development and Evaluation of an HMI-Based Remote Laboratory Arm Robot for Control System Learning

Abstract

A Human–Machine Interface (HMI)-based remote laboratory arm robot was developed to provide an accessible, internet-based solution for control system learning in vocational education. The system integrates an Arduino-based robotic arm, ESP8266, ESP32-CAM, MQTT communication, and an Android HMI application, and was developed using Cennamo’s 5D Spiral model (Define, Design, Demonstrate, Develop, Deliver). Product validation involved expert review, black-box testing, latency and speed measurements, as well as quasi-experimental testing with 315 vocational students from five schools using a nonequivalent pretest–posttest control group design. Technical testing showed that all core functions (start/stop, emergency stop, directional control, speed settings, and video streaming) operated reliably, with average communication latency between 44.2 ms (Wi-Fi) and 85 ms (GSM), indicating stable real-time performance. Expert validation placed functionality, usability, portability, and interface quality in the “highly valid” category (>88%). Learning outcome analysis demonstrated that students in the experimental classes achieved higher N-Gain scores (0.31–0.60; moderate to high) compared with the control classes (0.14–0.18; low), supported by statistically significant differences between pre-test and post-test scores (p < 0.05). Student response data also indicated high levels of satisfaction and perceived usability. These findings confirm that the HMI-based remote laboratory arm robot is technically robust, pedagogically feasible, and effective in enhancing control system competencies in vocational education.