Development of a didactic solution for teaching concepts related to Digital Twins using Educational Robot

Abstract

Engineering education faces ongoing challenges in keeping pace with the technological demands driven by the need to apply Industry 4.0 concepts in student training. In response to this, the present study introduces the development of a pedagogical tool built around an educational robot produced through 3D printing. The aim is to integrate active learning methodologies with key Industry 4.0 technologies, such as Digital Twins, asset administration shells, and computational simulation, to create a practical and dynamic learning environment. This hands-on approach was implemented in a graduate-level course on Advanced manufacturing engineering, specifically in the Process simulation module. The activity involved the use of the robot alongside a real-time, bidirectional computational model capable of reading and writing data, applying the Digital Twin concept. The study followed a mixed-method action research design. Results from a student feedback survey revealed that 100% of participants agreed the experience with the computational robot helped solidify theoretical concepts. Furthermore, 77.3% gave the learning experience the highest possible rating, and 95.5% recognized the robot’s potential for use in other modules and courses. These findings suggest that this approach offers an effective strategy for engineering education that is aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0.