The joint project DigiLab4U developed, tested and evaluated  the cross-location networking of real and virtual laboratory facilities. The aim was to develop an integrated, hybrid learning and research environment as an educational offering that can be used by bachelor students up to doctoral students. The use of Learning Analytics (LA), Serious Gaming and Open Badges was taken into account.

How should hybrid networked laboratory environments be designed in terms of business management, organisation, technology and didactic methods in order to promote their use across universities and institutions?

In the DigiLab4U research project, real laboratories were digitized, linked with virtual components and the synergies between the two approaches are explored. Augmentedand mixed  reality environment could help to bridge the gap between the "virtual" and "real" experience. For use in research and teaching, methods of engineering learning and serious gaming were combined using learning analytics, mixed/augmented reality and open badges. In this combination, a hybrid learning and research environment was created and enabled location-independent access to a digitized and networked learning and research environment. Further laboratories were selected and integrated via an open call for participation.The exchange of experience in research and teaching was promoted beyond the boundaries of the institute. The exchange of experiences in research and teaching was promoted beyond the institute's boundaries, for example by organizing an international conference in March 2022.

From a technical, didactic as well as an organisational point of view, there was a considerable need for research with regard to the conception, implementation and evaluation of a networked digitised learning and research environment for laboratories. In addition to solving the technical challenges and questions, new paths were also taken in didactics. The static and dynamic data generated with the help of LA  provided insights into the learning behaviour of students , as well as timely analyses and visualisations.

From an organisational perspective, DigiLab4U explored, among other things, the question of what a contemporary trust and business model for digital provision might look like. The scientific results were published in 35 publications.

1. Abbasi Zadeh Behbahani, Adineh, Uckelmann, Jensen (2022): Digitalization of an Indoor-Positioning Lab Using a Mobile Robot and IIoT Integration. In: Uckelmann D., Romagnoli G., Baalsrud Hauge J., Kammerlohr V. (Hrsg.) Online-Labs in Education, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Online-Labs in Education, 10.-12. März 2022, Stuttgart. Nomos, Baden-Baden, ISBN 978-3-98542-036-0. DOI: 10.5771/9783957104106
2. Adineh et al. (2022): Challenges and Solutions to Integrate Remote Laboratories in a Cross-University Network. In: Auer M.E., Bhimavaram K.R., Yue XG. (Hrsg.) Online Engineering and Society 4.0. REV 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 298. Springer, Cham. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-82529-4_19
3. Adineh, Jäkel, Uckelmann (2022): Enabling Remote Laboratories with LabMS – Fundamental Considerations and Proof of Concept. In In: Uckelmann D., Romagnoli G., Baalsrud Hauge J., Kammerlohr V. (Hrsg.) Online-Labs in Education, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Online-Labs in Education, 10.-12. März 2022, Stuttgart. Nomos, Baden-Baden, ISBN 978-3-98542-036-0. DOI: 10.5771/9783957104106
4. Baalsrud Hauge, Duin, Kammerlohr, Göbl (2020): Using a Participatory Design Approach for Adapting an Existing Game Scenario – Challenges and Opportunities. In: Ma M., Fletcher B., Göbel S., Baalsrud Hauge J., Marsh T. (Hrsg.) Serious Games. JCSG 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 12434. Springer, Cham. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-61814-8_16
5. Baalsrud Hauge, Kammerlohr, Göbl, Duin (2019): Influence of Trust Factors on Shared Laboratory Resources in a Distributed Environment. In Luis M. Camarinha-Matos, Hamideh Afsarmanesh, Dario Antonelli (Hrsg.): Collabora-tive Networks and Digital Transformation. 20th ifip wg 5.5, vol. 568. [S.l.]: Springer Nature (IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology), S. 624–634. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28464-0_55
6. Bisaschi, Esposito, Kammerlohr, Reverberi, Rizzi, Romagnoli (2021): Business Model validation for a marketplace of lab network initiatives. In: Proceedings of the 26th Summer School “Francesco Turco” – Industrial Systems Engineering, 8.-10.9.2021.
7. Burghardt, Ferdinand, Pfeiffer, Reverberi, Romagnoli (2020): Integration Of New Technologies And Alternative Methods In Laboratory-Based Scenarios. In: 17th Int. Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation. REV2020. University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 26–28 Februar 2020. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, S. 297–317. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-52575-0_40
8. Esposito, Kammerlohr, Romagnoli (2020): A new 3D Model to define Laboratory Services. In: XXVth Summer School F. Turco – Industrial Systems Engineering. University of Bergamo, Italy, 9-11 September 2020.
9. Galli, Mezzogori, Reverberi, Uckelmann, Ustenko, Volpi (2020): DigiLab4U: General Architecture for a Network of Labs. In: XXVth Summer School F. Turco – Industrial Systems Engineering. University of Bergamo, Italy, 9-11 September 2020.
10. Höhner, Pfeiffer, Reverberi, Mints, Rodewald (2022): Connecting Spatially Separated Laboratory Environments by Combining Virtual and Augmented Reality Technology. In International Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation, Cham: Springer International Publishing (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems), S. 509-520. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-17091-1_51
11. Höhner, Rodewald, Mints, Kammerlohr (2019): The next step of digital laboratories: Connecting real and virtual world. In Joaquim Jorge, Mashhuda Glencross, Stephen N. Spencer, Kenny Mitchell, June Kim, Takuji Narumi, Herman van Eyken (Hrsg.): Virtual-Reality Continuum and its Applications in Industry. VRCAI ’19. Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11/14/2019 – 11/16/2019. New York, USA: ACM Press, S. 1–2. DOI: 10.1145/3359997.3365727
12. Kammerlohr (2022): Three Studies of Shared Digital Labs: The Role of Trust in Business and Maturity Model Development. Dissertation. Auburn University, USA.
13. Kammerlohr, Duin, Hauge, Sultana (2021): Getting Collaborative Networks Sustainable: Drivers and Barriers Within a Digital Laboratories Network. 22nd IFIP WG 5.5 Working Conference on VIRTUAL ENTERPRISES, PRO-VE 2021, Nov 2021, Saint-Etienne, France. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85969-5
14. Kammerlohr, Paradice (2022): Fundamental Organizational Aspects of Shared Lab-Networks: Trust, Business- and Maturity-Model Considerations in DigiLab4U. In: Uckelmann D., Romagnoli G., Baalsrud Hauge J., Kammerlohr V. (Hrsg.) Online-Labs in Education, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Online-Labs in Education, 10.-12. März 2022, Stuttgart. Nomos, Baden-Baden, SBN 978-3-98542-036-0. DOI: 10.5771/9783957104106
15. Kammerlohr, Paradice, Hauge, Duin (2022): Towards the Operationalization of Trust Relationships in Networked Organizations. In: Michael E. Auer, Kalyan Ram Bhimavaram und Xiao-Guang Yue (Hrsg.): Online Engineering and Society 4.0, Bd. 298. Cham: Springer International Publishing (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems), S. 256–267. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-82529-4_25
16. Kammerlohr, Paradice, Uckelmann (2022): A Maturity Model for the Effective Digital Transformation of Laboratories. In: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. DOI: 10.1108/JMTM-01-2022-0050
17. Kammerlohr, Pfeiffer, Uckelmann (2020): Digital Laboratories for Educating the IoT-Generation. Heatmap for Digital Lab Competences. In: 17th Int. Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation. REV2020. University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 26–28 February 2020. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, S. 10–27. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-52575-0_1
18. Kammerlohr, Uckelmann, Baalsrud Hauge (2021): A Multi-Sided Platform to Activate the Sharing of Digital Labs. In: Int. J. Onl. Eng. 17 (11), S. 4–33. DOI: 10.3991/ijoe.v17i11.25183
19. Höhner, Mints, Rodewald, Pfeiffer, Kutzner, et al. (2020): Integrating Virtual Reality in a Lab Based Learning Environment. EuroVR 2020, S. 99-114. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-62655-6_6
20. Ortelt, Terkowsky, Schwandt, Winzker, Pfeiffer, Uckelmann, et al. (2021): Die digitale Zukunft des Lernens und Lehrens mit Remote-Laboren. In: Digitalisierung in Studium und Lehre gemeinsam gestalten. Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, S. 553–575. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-32849-8_31
21. Pfeiffer, Adineh, Uckelmann (2022): Aligning Technic with Didactic – A Remote Laboratory Infrastructure for Study, Teaching and Research. In: Auer M.E., Bhimavaram K.R., Yue XG. (Hrsg.) Online Engineering and Society 4.0. REV 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 298. Springer, Cham. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-82529-4_8
22. Pfeiffer, Heinemann, Doveren, Schroeder (2022): Implementing Learning Analytics-based Feedback in Online Laboratories – using the Example of a Remote Laboratory. In: Uckelmann D., Romagnoli G., Baalsrud Hauge J., Kammerlohr V. (Hrsg.) Online-Labs in Education, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Online-Labs in Education, 10.-12. März 2022, Stuttgart. Nomos, Baden-Baden, SBN 978-3-98542-036-0. DOI: 10.5771/9783957104106
23. Pfeiffer, Lukarov, Romagnoli, Uckelmann, Schroeder (2020): Experiential Learning in Labs and Multimodal Learning Analytics. In: Ifenthaler D., Gibson D. (Hrsg.) Adoption of Data Analytics in Higher Education Learning and Teaching. Advances in Analytics for Learning and Teaching. Springer, Cham. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-47392-1_18
24. Pfeiffer, Uckelmann (2020): Pilotierung eines didaktischen Modellkonzepts für laborbasiertes Lernen – (Digi-)LabTC für DigiLab4U. In: Terkowsky, Claudius et al. (Hrsg.) Labore in der Hochschullehre: Didaktik, Digitalisierung, Organisation. WBV Media, S. 111-126. DOI: 10.21125/icerti.2020.0589
25. Pfeiffer, Uckelmann (2022): Fostering lab-based learning with Learning Analytics – A literature review. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering. DOI: 10.3991/ijoe.v18i14.35073
26. Pfeiffer, Uckelmann (2019): Open Digital Lab for you – Remote and virtual laboratories in higher education, research and qualification. Experiment@ (EXP.AT) International Conference 2019. 12.-14.06.2019 in Funchal, Madeira Island/Portugal. DOI: 10.1109/EXPAT.2019.8876560
27. Pfeiffer, Uckelmann (2019): Open Digital Lab for You (DigiLab4U) – Entwicklung und Pilotierung eines mediendidaktischen Designs für laborbaisertes Lehren und Lernen. In: Pinkwart, Niels; Konert, Johannes (Hrsg.): Delfi 2019. Die 17. Jahrestagung der Bildungstechnologien. Gesellschaft für Informatik. Bonn: Köllen Druck+Verlag GmbH, S. 323-324. DOI: 0.18420/delfi2019_310
28. Rajendra Kharade, Adineh, Uckelmann (2022): Comparing Service-Oriented System Management Solutions in Remote and Virtual Laboratory Environments. In: Uckelmann D., Romagnoli G., Baalsrud Hauge J., Kammerlohr V. (Hrsg.) Online-Labs in Education, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Online-Labs in Education, 10.-12. März 2022, Stuttgart. Nomos, Baden-Baden, ISBN 978-3-98542-036-0. DOI: 10.5771/9783957104106
29. Reverberi, Kammerlohr, Esposito, Shankar Ghorpade, Romagnoli, Uckelmann (202) Billing and Booking System for Distributed IoT Laboratories. Cham: Springer International Publishing (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems), S. 395-405. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-17091-1_40
30. Romagnoli, Esposito, Antonio; Zammori, Bertolini, Uckelmann (2020): Lab networks in engineering education: a proposed structure for organizing information. In: International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering, 16(5), S. 41-70. DOI: 10.3991/ijoe.v16i05.11891
31. Romagnoli, Uckelmann, Reverberi, Ustenko (2022): Applied RFID in Logistics Testing RFID technology for its application in the fast-moving consumer goods and apparel industries. In: Uckelmann D., Romagnoli G., Baalsrud Hauge J., Kammerlohr V. (Hrsg.) Online-Labs in Education, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Online-Labs in Education, 10.-12. März 2022, Stuttgart. Nomos, Baden-Baden, SBN 978-3-98542-036-0. DOI: 10.5771/9783957104106
32. Uckelmann, Mezzogori, Esposito, Neroni, Reverberi, Ustenko, Baaslrud-Hauge (2021): Guideline to Safety and Security in Federated Remote Labs. In: International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), vol. 17 (4), S. 39-62. DOI: 10.3991/ijoe.v17i04.18937
33. Uckelmann, Mezzogori, Esposito, Neroni, Reverberi, Ustenko (2020): Safety and Security in Federated Remote Labs – A Requirement Analysis. In: 17th Int. Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation. REV2020. University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 26–28 Februar 2020. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, S. 28–43. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-52575-0_2
34. Uckelmann, Kammerlohr, Pfeiffer (2019): Open Digital Lab For You. Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart. In: Kreulich K., Müller C., Ruf O. (Hrsg.): Digitaler Wandel in Studium und Lehre. Zur Bedeutung von internen und externen Hochschulnetzwerken“. Digitaler Wandel in Studium und Lehre. TU Kaiserslautern, 12.09.2019-13.09.2019. nexus impulse für die Praxis. Nr. 19. Bonn: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, S. 12.
35. Uckelmann, Pfeiffer (2022): Understanding the Impact of Measuring and Choosing RFID-Transponders for Applications in Logistics. In: Uckelmann D., Romagnoli G., Baalsrud Hauge J., Kammerlohr V. (Hrsg.) Online-Labs in Education, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Online-Labs in Education, 10.-12. März 2022, Stuttgart. Nomos, Baden-Baden, ISBN 978-3-98542-036-0. DOI: 10.5771/9783957104106