IoT Retrofitting for a Remote Kinematics Laboratory in Engineering: Design, Implementation, and Technical Validation of a Prototype for the Study of UARM in a Hybrid Learning Environment
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents the design, implementation, and technical validation of a remote physics laboratory prototype for the study of Uniformly Accelerated Rectilinear Motion (UARM) through an Internet of Things (IoT)-based retrofitting approach. The proposal addresses the limitations of traditional laboratories in resource-constrained contexts, particularly in Latin America, by enabling hybrid (remote and in-person) experimentation without replacing existing equipment. The system integrates an ESP32 microcontroller for edge computing, infrared sensors for event detection, a Raspberry Pi-based MQTT communication infrastructure, and a web interface for real-time monitoring and control. A total of 70 experimental trials (35 remote and 35 in-person) were conducted to evaluate the system’s performance. Results demonstrate that the proposed IoT-enabled laboratory achieves measurement precision comparable to traditional setups, with minimal differences in recorded times, consistent acceleration values, and a high event detection success rate (98.5%). Statistical analysis confirms negligible bias between modalities, indicating that variability is primarily due to the physical nature of the experiment rather than system limitations. The findings validate IoT-based retrofitting as a viable, scalable, and low-cost solution for modernizing physics laboratories, enhancing accessibility, and supporting hybrid learning environments. This approach contributes to the democratization of experimental education by enabling remote access to real laboratory experiences while preserving measurement reliability. Keywords: IoT, retrofitting, remote laboratories, physics education, UARM, edge computing, hybrid learning.
Institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Language: English
Subfield: Media Technology
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7140141331
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