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Browsers and permissions

Check the API, operating system and permissions for your specific connection.

Checked 2026-10-16
Task Capability First check
3D and virtual robot WebGL and sufficient device resources. Hardware acceleration and model loading.
USB Web Serial. Browser support and serial-port access.
Bluetooth Web Bluetooth. API, adapter and device permission.
Camera Video-device access. Site/OS permission and whether another app uses it.
Remote session WebRTC and network connectivity. Session code and network restrictions.

Practical choice

For an initial USB or Bluetooth connection, use current desktop Chrome or Edge and check the required API. This does not guarantee every controller works. Firefox introduced Web Serial in version 151; that does not establish compatibility with every Lab feature. Web Bluetooth and Web Serial are separate capabilities.

Permissions

Use Lab over HTTPS. Select the actual connected device in the system dialog. If it is missing, check cable, power, driver, OS permission and organization restrictions. Reinstalling a plugin does not replace browser permission.

API support sources

Mozilla: Web Serial in Firefox; Chrome: Web Bluetooth. API support was checked against vendor documentation; a particular hardware kit still requires a compatibility test.

Controls

Button or field Action and result
Unsupported connection method If USB or Bluetooth is unavailable, check browser support for the corresponding API. Start with Virtual to test the scene separately.
Device selector dialog Select the board or camera for your task. Cancelling the dialog is not a calibration error.
Camera permission Allow access for the intended site and check that another application is not using the camera. If denied, review the permission in site settings.
Retry in the wizard Use after correcting the port, power or permission. Read the previous attempt’s message before retrying.

A browser API’s availability does not prove compatibility with a particular controller. The connection guide separately covers device selection and motor-response checks.