
Webinar Details
Control systems labs are essential to mechanical engineering education and traditionally require on-campus attendance for limited time slots. To increase flexibility, we have integrated virtual twins, high-fidelity digital copies of real lab systems, allowing students to conduct experiments remotely prior to their scheduled lab sessions. This enables self-paced learning regardless of location and time, whether from home or any other location with broad-band Internet connectivity.
One example is the Quanser AERO control system, which is regularly used by fifth semester students. The system, modeled in Simulink with real-time control extensions, allows students to develop and test control models off-campus. These models can later be transferred to real hardware with minimal modifications. A 3D rendering engine provides a realistic visualization of the system, including dynamic fill levels.
Our virtual twins run on a centralized university server and support up to 30 concurrent users via a lightweight client available for most operating systems. This eliminates the need for complex software installations on student devices, reducing technical issues and improving the user experience.
By bridging the gap between hands-on and virtual labs, students gain a deeper understanding of control systems and are better prepared for on-campus experimentation. This innovative approach increases accessibility and modernizes engineering education.
Presenter’s Bio

Prof. Jan-Christian Kuhr
Jan-Christian Kuhr is full professor at Stralsund University of Applied Sciences, Germany. After having received his PhD in physics he has spent his professional career in the computer industry as well as the glass coating business. He has joined the School of Mechanical Engineering at Stralsund University in 2016 where his teaching covers physics, measurement technology and control systems. His research is currently focused on sensor technology in the field of IIOT and predictive maintenance. In teaching, Jan-Christian is always open to introducing new methods if they improve the students’ learning experience and learning outcomes. That is why he launched the DistLab project in 2021 together with two colleagues.

Christian Tokaji, M. Eng
Christian Tokaji (33) is originally from Eberswalde near Berlin and moved to the beautiful coastal city of Stralsund in 2015. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering with a focus on renewable energy technology and project management at the University of Applied Sciences Stralsund and fell in love with the region. As a result, he decided to stay at the university and has been working as a research assistant in the DistLab project since May 2023. Under the supervision of Jan-Christian Kuhr, he enables control engineering students to conduct their laboratory experiments via distance learning.
He has already convinced national and international audiences of the benefits of the project through publications and presentations at conferences and trade shows.
In his private life, he volunteers as president of the Rotary Club of Stralsund, which is working to build the first in-patient hospice for children and adolescents in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
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