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Distance education systems based on new technologies can provide learning process for individualistic Learning or Cooperative Learning. With Networked systems (providing by communication channels among the different agents of the learning process), we can use the appropriate tools to turn computer networks into a real virtual classroom. In the study of engineering education, presently a change of learning and teaching happens through the use of new media. The reason for this is the implementation of tele-laboratories into the curricula of automatic control engineering and mechatronics education. Real existing laboratories can get controlled remotely over the Internet with a web browser by the student. An accompanying usage of these lab experiments during the lectures as well as an independent use is considered with theoretical teaching units and tutorials.

In this paper, upper bounds for time-varying delays in the real-time control of a lab helicopter in the sense of practical stability analysis are derived. Sub-optimal controller parameters for this non-linear plant with a given maximum time-delay are calculated with the help of Lyapunov-Razumikhin method using LMIs (Linear Matrix Inequalities). These parameters are then optimized for extended time-delay margins by considering design specifications like settling-time and overshoot, using a novel 3-dimensional search algorithm in the vicinity of the previously identified values. Trade-off between settling-time and overshoot is achieved with the help of appropriate weighting factors in an objective function based approach.