The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) is proud to have won the 2026 Global Online Laboratory Consortium (GOLC) Award, demonstrating leadership in innovative engineering education through its very own Automatic Modular Flexible Production Line Training System.
This advanced system is made up of different modular units that handle tasks such as processing, transporting, and monitoring. Together, they work as one complete setup that mimics a real automated manufacturing environment. It allows both online and on-campus students to safely interact in real time with actual industrial equipment and software through EIT’s specially designed remote laboratories.
Central to the hardware platform is a programmable logic controller (PLC) and SCADA/HMI interface that connects to the software component, which then enables smart control, visualization, and diagnostics through the TIA Portal.
Master’s Program Integration
Built within a year, the Automatic Modular Flexible Production Line Training System has been fully integrated into EIT’s Master of Industrial Automation (MIA) program.
The system is designed to benefit the academic and research community, directly supporting the institution’s strategic educational goals of delivering high-quality controlled experiments, enhancing engagement and equity to ensure online learners receive the same hands-on opportunities as those on-campus, and expanding laboratory capability to reflect modern and future industrial practices.
By combining hardware, software, and a robust laboratory framework, EIT’s award-winning GOLC entry showcases how engineering education can evolve to meet the demands of a globally connected, digitally enabled learning environment especially in the Industry 4.0 and 5.0 era.
This blended approach exemplifies best practices and ensures that students are equipped with theoretical knowledge, simulation skills, and hands-on competence, even when operating remotely.
Student Feedback
“I had an awesome experience while working on this project. Coming up with such a creative idea and design for an automation lab to be assessed and operated by students in different parts of the world is mind-blowing. I’m very proud to be part of the team that made it happen,” shared Felix Okoh, Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) alumnus. His fellow graduate, Sutthavee Krairirksh, said the remote lab acquianted him with automation, specifically PLC and the TIA Portal. He got to practice programming as well as sensor and pneumatic applications, which is sure to help with future work. For Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) student Ceezan Maharjan, the project helped to better understand how manufacturing works with less human effort and is “one of the best lab sessions I have had.”
About GOLC
GOLC is a global network of professionals under the International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE) that brings together researchers and practitioners in all forms of online experimentation. Awardees were announced on 13 March 2026 at the 23rd International Conference on Smart Technologies & Education (STE) in Brasov, Romania.