Remote Laboratory System: A Model Proposal and Implementation on X-Ray Laboratory Machines

This work presents the development and implementation of a remote X-ray laboratory, located at CNR – ISM, Rome, Italy. The remote laboratory model is based on a innovative, flexible and scalable modular architecture which makes it easier to update, expand or deal with problems. The developed system, accessible for control only to authenticated users, provides a remote control of the laboratory equipment, a real time visual feedback of the machinery and the opportunity to retrieve and make a preliminary analysis of stored data. These features offer the possibility to researchers of carrying out real research experiments remotely, avoid the exposure to ionizing radiation produced by the X-Ray equipment. The system also provides the opportunity of carrying out experiments programmatically, optimizing the use of available machine time and providing the possibility of running experiments in special environment-dependent conditions. Eventually, the system allows researchers located outside of laboratory site to run experiments in a collaborative way.