PHASE 1 · EQUIPMENT SPONSORSHIP & PARTNERSHIPS
JOOUST Remote Laboratory Demonstration Centre
Three disciplines. Shared scientific infrastructure. Science without geographical limits.
AfriRemoteLabs invites manufacturers, universities, foundations and industry partners to support a proposed demonstration centre at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Kenya.
Status: Proposed · Seeking equipment, funding and technical partners.
AfriRemoteLabs and JOOUST have an existing memorandum of understanding. Site arrangements, staffing, equipment custody and operating responsibilities will be agreed through implementation.
Why support this centre?
Practical science requires opportunities to observe real experiments, understand instruments, analyse measured data and evaluate uncertainty. The proposed centre will connect local laboratory operations with scheduled, supervised online participation for students, educators and researchers.
Phase 1 will establish three complementary units, a shared access system, teaching resources and pilot training sessions. Wider access will follow commissioning and evaluation.
Proposed remote laboratory stations and experiments
Phase 1 brings together Physics, Chemistry and Biological Sciences, supported by shared Materials Science characterization and Engineering instrumentation stations. The instruments below are sought through sponsorship, loans, access partnerships or procurement; this list does not imply they are installed.
Physics — equipment and experiments
Mechanics and motion
Equipment sought: Mechanics equipment, carts and tracks, motion detectors, force sensors, wireless Physics sensors, data acquisition systems and data loggers.
Relevant experiments: Position–time and velocity–time graphs; Newton’s second law; friction; impulse and momentum; collisions; work and energy; spring oscillations.
Remote access: Local setup and reset; live video and measured data; approved control where actuators are provided.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Actuator limits, guarded moving parts and local stop; technician sets up and resets apparatus.
Host software: Sensor acquisition software, gateway adapter and experiment control application; video analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: Multi-channel DAQ matched to motion, force and other sensors; wireless receiver where required; synchronized timestamps; motor controller or remotely switched actuator only where experiment needs it.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Thermal measurements
Equipment sought: Temperature sensors, wireless sensors, data loggers and data acquisition systems.
Relevant experiments: Heating and cooling curves; Newton’s law of cooling; thermal equilibration; comparison of heat transfer under controlled conditions.
Remote access: Technician-prepared setup with remotely viewed temperature traces.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Temperature and heater-power limits, independent overtemperature cutoff and locally supervised heating.
Host software: Temperature acquisition, graphing and gateway software.
DAQ and interfaces: DAQ with appropriate thermocouple, RTD or temperature-probe inputs and cold-junction compensation where applicable; approved heater controller and isolated switching.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Optical characterization
Equipment sought: Programmable UV–Visible spectrophotometer, optical benches and suitable light sensors; Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.
Relevant experiments: Absorbance and transmission spectra; wavelength-dependent optical response; reflection and refraction with suitable accessories; comparison of material spectra.
Remote access: Supervised spectral acquisition; approved parameter requests and downloadable spectra.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Light-source and laser safeguards; wavelength, exposure and acquisition limits; local optical alignment.
Host software: Vendor UV–Vis/FTIR/Raman software as applicable, documented integration adapter, spectral analysis tools and camera streaming.
DAQ and interfaces: Instrument-native digital acquisition; Ethernet or USB controller; DAQ for external light sensors only; compatible motorized stage or filter controller if included.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
Equipment sought: Computer-controlled AFM, suitable probes, reference samples and vibration isolation.
Relevant experiments: Surface topography; roughness measurement; height profiles; particle or film feature analysis; force–distance demonstrations where supported.
Remote access: Technician mounts samples and establishes stable scans; remote viewing and approved scan requests.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Local tip/sample preparation; scan, approach and travel limits; manufacturer-approved control; GPU optional for heavy image analysis.
Host software: Licensed AFM control software, vendor-supported SDK/API or approved automation interface; topography and image analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: AFM-native scanner controller and acquisition electronics; approved digital interface; vibration isolation and environmental control specified by vendor.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM)
Equipment sought: Computer-controlled STM, conductive reference specimens, appropriate tips and isolation.
Relevant experiments: Surface imaging of suitable conductive specimens; tunnelling-current response; comparison of scan settings; atomic-scale imaging where instrument and specimen conditions permit.
Remote access: Specialist-supervised demonstration with locally prepared tip and specimen.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Local tip/sample preparation and stabilization; approved bias, current and approach limits; no unrestricted remote approach.
Host software: Licensed STM control software, supported automation interface, surface-image and tunnelling-data analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: STM-native low-noise current acquisition and scanner electronics; supported digital interface; isolation and environmental provisions required by chosen system.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Equipment sought: SEM, specimen-preparation tools, compatible mounts and image-acquisition system.
Relevant experiments: Surface morphology; particle-size distributions; coating and fracture-surface imaging; comparison of SEM and optical images.
Remote access: Specialist sample preparation and chamber operation; remote imaging demonstrations and image analysis.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Specialist operates loading, vacuum and beam setup; permitted imaging controls only; GPU workstation for large-image processing and segmentation.
Host software: Vendor SEM control and imaging software; manufacturer-approved remote access/integration; calibrated image-analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: SEM-native scan and detector acquisition electronics; vendor instrument workstation and approved gateway; specimen preparation, vacuum and utilities specified by supplier.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Equipment sought: TEM, suitable specimen-preparation infrastructure, grids and imaging system.
Relevant experiments: Nanoparticle morphology; size and shape analysis; prepared thin-specimen imaging; electron diffraction where configured; prepared biological ultrastructure demonstrations where facilities permit.
Remote access: Specialist preparation and operation; scheduled remote demonstrations and data analysis.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Specialist handles specimen loading, alignment and vacuum; remote imaging only within approved controls; GPU useful for large-image analysis.
Host software: Vendor TEM and camera software; manufacturer-approved remote imaging interface; image/diffraction analysis tools.
DAQ and interfaces: TEM-native camera/detector and instrument controllers; vendor workstation; approved gateway; thin-specimen preparation, utilities and environmental control specified by supplier.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Chemistry — equipment and experiments
UV–Visible analytical spectroscopy
Equipment sought: Programmable UV–Visible spectrophotometer, compatible cells and sampling accessories.
Relevant experiments: Beer–Lambert calibration; concentration of an unknown; absorption peaks; reaction kinetics; comparison of selected solutions.
Remote access: Local sample preparation; approved spectral measurements and data export.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Sample identity tracking; locally prepared cells and solutions; approved wavelength, timing and sampling settings.
Host software: Vendor UV–Vis software and supported interface; calibration, kinetics and spectrum-analysis application.
DAQ and interfaces: Instrument-native acquisition; USB/Ethernet interface; compatible sample changer if automated; DAQ only for additional external probes.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
FTIR and Raman spectroscopy
Equipment sought: Computer-controlled FTIR with suitable sampling accessories; Raman spectrometer with approved laser safeguards.
Relevant experiments: Functional-group identification; spectral fingerprints; polymer and material comparisons; vibrational-band assignment; Raman mapping where supported.
Remote access: Trained local sample handling; supervised acquisition and spectral interpretation.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Laser enclosure and interlocks for Raman; local sample preparation; approved laser power and acquisition settings; GPU optional for mapping/image analysis.
Host software: Licensed FTIR/Raman software, vendor integration API where available, spectral processing and library licences.
DAQ and interfaces: Instrument-native acquisition; instrument controller, USB/Ethernet and optional motorized mapping-stage interfaces; external DAQ only for auxiliary sensors.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Automated titration
Equipment sought: Programmable potentiometric titrator, dosing system, sample changer, pH and conductivity probes.
Relevant experiments: Acid–base titration curves; endpoint determination; repeatability; pH and conductivity investigations.
Remote access: Local reagent preparation and waste handling; remotely observed automated measurements.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Reagent inventory, dose limits, spill management and waste handling; local operator confirms loaded samples.
Host software: Vendor titration software, supported scheduling/automation interface, method management and data export.
DAQ and interfaces: Instrument-native dosing and acquisition controllers; pH/conductivity interfaces; optional autosampler; external DAQ only for compatible auxiliary sensors.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Equipment sought: SEM, specimen-preparation tools, compatible mounts and image-acquisition system.
Relevant experiments: Surface morphology; particle-size distributions; coating and fracture-surface imaging; comparison of SEM and optical images.
Remote access: Specialist sample preparation and chamber operation; remote imaging demonstrations and image analysis.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Specialist operates loading, vacuum and beam setup; permitted imaging controls only; GPU workstation for large-image processing and segmentation.
Host software: Vendor SEM control and imaging software; manufacturer-approved remote access/integration; calibrated image-analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: SEM-native scan and detector acquisition electronics; vendor instrument workstation and approved gateway; specimen preparation, vacuum and utilities specified by supplier.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Biological Sciences — equipment and experiments
Digital microscopy and remote imaging
Equipment sought: Digital microscopes, microscope cameras, motorized stages where available and image-capture computers.
Relevant experiments: Prepared plant and animal specimen observation; cell and tissue morphology; calibrated size measurements; image segmentation; field-of-view and magnification comparison.
Remote access: Live microscope-camera demonstrations; approved stage or focus control only where supported.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Stage travel and focus limits; specimen loaded locally; GPU useful for segmentation, multi-camera processing or high-volume imaging.
Host software: Microscope/camera SDK, capture and streaming software; calibrated measurement and image-analysis tools.
DAQ and interfaces: Compatible microscope camera interface, motorized stage/focus controller if offered; no standalone DAQ needed for images; auxiliary sensor DAQ optional.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Assays and biological measurements
Equipment sought: Shared programmable UV–Visible spectrophotometer; multimode microplate reader; temperature sensors and data loggers.
Relevant experiments: Colorimetric calibration; enzyme kinetics with approved materials; suitable pigment spectra; temperature-dependent assay investigations.
Remote access: Locally prepared assays, approved teaching materials and supervised measurement.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Approved biological procedures, local assay preparation, plate/sample tracking and validated temperature limits.
Host software: Reader/UV–Vis software, supported interface, plate-layout management and assay-analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: Instrument-native optical acquisition; temperature-logging DAQ; approved incubator controller where integrated; compatible sample-handling interface.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Equipment sought: TEM, suitable specimen-preparation infrastructure, grids and imaging system.
Relevant experiments: Nanoparticle morphology; size and shape analysis; prepared thin-specimen imaging; electron diffraction where configured; prepared biological ultrastructure demonstrations where facilities permit.
Remote access: Specialist preparation and operation; scheduled remote demonstrations and data analysis.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Specialist handles specimen loading, alignment and vacuum; remote imaging only within approved controls; GPU useful for large-image analysis.
Host software: Vendor TEM and camera software; manufacturer-approved remote imaging interface; image/diffraction analysis tools.
DAQ and interfaces: TEM-native camera/detector and instrument controllers; vendor workstation; approved gateway; thin-specimen preparation, utilities and environmental control specified by supplier.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Materials Science — equipment and experiments
Optical characterization
Equipment sought: Programmable UV–Visible spectrophotometer, optical benches and suitable light sensors; Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.
Relevant experiments: Absorbance and transmission spectra; wavelength-dependent optical response; reflection and refraction with suitable accessories; comparison of material spectra.
Remote access: Supervised spectral acquisition; approved parameter requests and downloadable spectra.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Light-source and laser safeguards; wavelength, exposure and acquisition limits; local optical alignment.
Host software: Vendor UV–Vis/FTIR/Raman software as applicable, documented integration adapter, spectral analysis tools and camera streaming.
DAQ and interfaces: Instrument-native digital acquisition; Ethernet or USB controller; DAQ for external light sensors only; compatible motorized stage or filter controller if included.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
Equipment sought: Computer-controlled AFM, suitable probes, reference samples and vibration isolation.
Relevant experiments: Surface topography; roughness measurement; height profiles; particle or film feature analysis; force–distance demonstrations where supported.
Remote access: Technician mounts samples and establishes stable scans; remote viewing and approved scan requests.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Local tip/sample preparation; scan, approach and travel limits; manufacturer-approved control; GPU optional for heavy image analysis.
Host software: Licensed AFM control software, vendor-supported SDK/API or approved automation interface; topography and image analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: AFM-native scanner controller and acquisition electronics; approved digital interface; vibration isolation and environmental control specified by vendor.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM)
Equipment sought: Computer-controlled STM, conductive reference specimens, appropriate tips and isolation.
Relevant experiments: Surface imaging of suitable conductive specimens; tunnelling-current response; comparison of scan settings; atomic-scale imaging where instrument and specimen conditions permit.
Remote access: Specialist-supervised demonstration with locally prepared tip and specimen.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Local tip/sample preparation and stabilization; approved bias, current and approach limits; no unrestricted remote approach.
Host software: Licensed STM control software, supported automation interface, surface-image and tunnelling-data analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: STM-native low-noise current acquisition and scanner electronics; supported digital interface; isolation and environmental provisions required by chosen system.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
FTIR and Raman spectroscopy
Equipment sought: Computer-controlled FTIR with suitable sampling accessories; Raman spectrometer with approved laser safeguards.
Relevant experiments: Functional-group identification; spectral fingerprints; polymer and material comparisons; vibrational-band assignment; Raman mapping where supported.
Remote access: Trained local sample handling; supervised acquisition and spectral interpretation.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Laser enclosure and interlocks for Raman; local sample preparation; approved laser power and acquisition settings; GPU optional for mapping/image analysis.
Host software: Licensed FTIR/Raman software, vendor integration API where available, spectral processing and library licences.
DAQ and interfaces: Instrument-native acquisition; instrument controller, USB/Ethernet and optional motorized mapping-stage interfaces; external DAQ only for auxiliary sensors.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Equipment sought: SEM, specimen-preparation tools, compatible mounts and image-acquisition system.
Relevant experiments: Surface morphology; particle-size distributions; coating and fracture-surface imaging; comparison of SEM and optical images.
Remote access: Specialist sample preparation and chamber operation; remote imaging demonstrations and image analysis.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Specialist operates loading, vacuum and beam setup; permitted imaging controls only; GPU workstation for large-image processing and segmentation.
Host software: Vendor SEM control and imaging software; manufacturer-approved remote access/integration; calibrated image-analysis software.
DAQ and interfaces: SEM-native scan and detector acquisition electronics; vendor instrument workstation and approved gateway; specimen preparation, vacuum and utilities specified by supplier.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Equipment sought: TEM, suitable specimen-preparation infrastructure, grids and imaging system.
Relevant experiments: Nanoparticle morphology; size and shape analysis; prepared thin-specimen imaging; electron diffraction where configured; prepared biological ultrastructure demonstrations where facilities permit.
Remote access: Specialist preparation and operation; scheduled remote demonstrations and data analysis.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Specialist handles specimen loading, alignment and vacuum; remote imaging only within approved controls; GPU useful for large-image analysis.
Host software: Vendor TEM and camera software; manufacturer-approved remote imaging interface; image/diffraction analysis tools.
DAQ and interfaces: TEM-native camera/detector and instrument controllers; vendor workstation; approved gateway; thin-specimen preparation, utilities and environmental control specified by supplier.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Engineering — equipment and experiments
Sensors and data acquisition
Equipment sought: Wireless sensors, Physics sensors, motion detectors, temperature and force sensors, data acquisition systems and data loggers.
Relevant experiments: Sensor calibration; sampling-rate effects; synchronization; noise and uncertainty; real-time monitoring; comparison of wired and wireless measurement workflows.
Remote access: Local gateway gathers sensor readings; remote users view traces and download timestamped data.
Host and client requirements
Host computer / GPU: Use the shared workstation specification below; follow vendor hardware requirements. Input limits, electrical protection and local wiring checks; GPU optional for machine-learning workloads.
Host software: DAQ drivers, acquisition software, gateway service, calibration tools and dashboard; development tools where licences permit.
DAQ and interfaces: Compatible analog/digital inputs, counters and sensor excitation; wireless receivers; isolation; calibrated references; synchronized data logging.
Client: Authenticated browser, stable connection and booked access; live video/data interface. For this station, provide downloadable measurements or images and suitable analysis tools. No client GPU is needed for control; larger image/AI analysis can use a local GPU or managed analysis server.
Shared equipment: Cross-listed instruments serve multiple subjects and are counted once in procurement. Final quantities, configurations and experiments will follow quotations and site assessment.
Commissioning: Remote control depends on the selected model, documented interfaces, software permissions and validated integration. Advanced microscopy requires suitable utilities, environmental conditions, specimen preparation, trained operators and service support. Initial access may use supervised imaging demonstrations before approved remote controls are introduced.
How remote participation will work
- Participants select a scheduled session and review its objectives.
- A technician introduces the setup through live video.
- Users observe readings, request measurements or adjust approved settings where integration permits.
- Participants download measured data and complete guided analysis.
- The local team checks and resets the equipment.
Each experiment will state whether it offers live demonstration, remotely requested measurement or supervised control. Instruments will not be presented as operational until commissioned.
Host and client requirements for remote laboratory access
These are planning specifications. The selected instrument manufacturer must approve operating-system compatibility, software licensing, automation interfaces and minimum hardware before procurement. Programmable acquisition alone does not guarantee remote control.
Shared host-side infrastructure
- Station computer: Vendor-compatible workstation; planning baseline 6–8 CPU cores, 16–32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD for sensor/spectroscopy stations. Imaging stations: 8–16 cores, 32–64 GB RAM and 1–2 TB SSD, subject to vendor requirements.
- GPU: A dedicated GPU is optional for ordinary acquisition and browser access. Where image analysis, AI or high-throughput imaging is planned, provision a compatible GPU with approximately 8–16 GB VRAM, appropriate drivers and compute libraries. Advanced imaging workloads may require more. Keep heavy analysis separate from the instrument-control computer where reliability requires it.
- Local gateway: Dedicated computer or vendor-approved service that validates permitted commands, communicates with instrument controllers and publishes readings. Native USB, Ethernet or other supported interfaces; compatible drivers and adapters. DAQs must match sensor electrical characteristics, resolution, channel count and sampling needs.
- Network: Wired Ethernet for controllers, segregated instrument network, firewall and secure authenticated connection to the application. Do not expose raw instrument ports. Wireless sensors connect to the local receiver/gateway, not directly to remote clients.
- Connectivity: Size upload capacity through pilot tests using the actual camera streams and users. Start planning at 10–20 Mbps stable host upload for one HD stream plus data; allow overhead and more capacity for multiple streams. Provide backup connectivity where feasible.
- Access system: Booking, user roles, operator authorization, exclusive control lease where needed, command allow-list, parameter limits, session timeout, logs and local operator override.
- Software: Vendor instrument software and licences, supported API/SDK or approved automation interface; gateway and web application; encrypted video streaming; data export and analysis tools. Python/Jupyter and scientific libraries may support analysis where appropriate. Use vendor-required acquisition software for hardware control.
- Power and environment: Earthed supply, surge protection, UPS sized for controllers and orderly shutdown; instrument-specific backup power, cooling, vacuum, vibration isolation and laboratory utilities where required.
- Data: Timestamped measurements, units, calibration metadata and experiment settings; access-controlled storage, backup and restore procedures; retention policy and sufficient capacity for image datasets.
- Operations: Trained technician, approved procedures, calibration schedule, consumables, service agreement and local stop controls. Define a safe action on network loss for each instrument with its supplier; do not assume powering off is safe.
Shared client-side requirements
- Computer: Modern laptop or desktop; planning baseline 4-core CPU and 8 GB RAM for live access. Tablet access may support viewing, but full instrument controls should be validated on desktop. No local GPU is required for browser control.
- Software: Supported current browser with JavaScript and the platform’s streaming support; authenticated account and assigned role. Install a vendor-approved client or VPN only if the chosen architecture requires it.
- Connection: Stable internet; plan 5–10 Mbps download for an HD session, with actual needs set by video quality. Measure latency and packet loss during pilots. Safety-critical loops remain local.
- Peripherals: Screen, keyboard/mouse and optional headset for guided sessions. Analysis software or notebooks for downloaded CSV, spectra and images.
- Analysis computer: 16–32 GB RAM recommended for larger datasets; compatible GPU optional for local AI/image analysis. A managed server may provide these resources instead.
- Session readiness: Completed training, booking and experiment instructions; awareness of permitted settings; visible control status and contact with the local operator.
Remote-control acceptance checks
Before a station is offered for control, validate authenticated access, booking ownership, command limits, technician override, network-loss handling, data integrity, video/data synchronization, local stop behaviour and recovery. If a model lacks a supported control interface, offer live demonstration or technician-executed measurement requests until approved integration exists.
Implementation status: These are proposed requirements. The website package provides information and sponsorship enquiries; it does not implement physical instrument control, booking infrastructure or laboratory gateways.
Infrastructure and equipment acceptance
Support is also sought for site preparation, reliable connectivity, power protection, secure computers, booking and identity controls, cameras, data backups, local stop controls and technical staffing.
Suppliers should document control interfaces, software licensing, permitted automation, data export, calibration, local service and replacement parts. A working demonstration of the intended integration is required before acceptance. Public access will use an approved gateway with permissions and operating limits.
Ways to contribute
Founding centre partner
Support equipment, integration, training and pilot delivery across the centre.
Laboratory unit sponsor
Support Physics, Chemistry or Biological Sciences.
Equipment partner
Donate, loan or discount an agreed instrument with accessories and support.
Digital infrastructure partner
Support connectivity, computing, audiovisual systems and secure access.
Training and maintenance partner
Provide installation, calibration, servicing and staff development.
Student access partner
Support teaching sessions, learning resources and consumables.
Budget and funding
Contributions may cover instruments, accessories, software, shipping and importation, installation, facilities, training, staffing, calibration, maintenance and consumables.
A costed Phase 1 budget is in preparation. The final request will be based on supplier quotations, the agreed site requirements and available contributions. No funding amount, equipment delivery or sponsor commitment is confirmed on this page.
Implementation milestones
- Scope and readiness: agree experiments, responsibilities, facilities and quotations.
- Partnerships and preparation: finalize support arrangements and prepare the site.
- Installation and validation: commission instruments, train staff and approve procedures.
- Remote integration: configure access, video, data handling and approved controls.
- Pilot and evaluation: deliver sessions, collect feedback and report results.
A schedule will be confirmed after funding, equipment availability and site requirements are established.
Accountability, impact and sustainability
Agreements will define equipment ownership and custody, insurance, access, maintenance, financial administration and reporting. Sponsors will receive agreed updates on commissioning, milestones, usage, training, expenditure and challenges.
The pilot will track instruments commissioned, experiments validated, staff trained, sessions delivered, students and institutions reached, availability, learning outcomes and operating costs. Targets will be agreed before delivery.
The operating plan will cover staffing, consumables, connectivity, licences, calibration, repairs and replacement through institutional collaboration, recurring support, training and appropriately agreed access services.
Leadership and partner recognition
Dr. John Onyango Agumba: Physics, materials science, scientific computing and digital laboratory development.
Dr. Solomon Lugasi Omwoma: Chemistry, scientific collaboration and laboratory development.
Biological Sciences leadership and the operational team will be identified through implementation.
Recognition may include agreed website acknowledgement, laboratory recognition, project reports, demonstrations and technical workshops. Institutional names and logos will be used with permission.