Project-Based Learning Using MATLAB and ThingSpeak at Slovak University of Technology
“MATLAB and ThingSpeak provided the tools necessary for remotely learning the technologies covered by our [Industrial IoT] course. Project-based learning benefited from high-level programming, simulation, and the IoT platform.”
Key Outcomes
- Remote learning experiences enhanced through universal Campus-Wide License environment
- Data shared and visualized in real time through ThingSpeak, an easy-to-use cloud analytics platform
- Reconfiguration of hands-on multidisciplinary projects simplified
Project-based learning at Slovak University, with 3D visualization, OPC UA communication, and data visualization in MATLAB and ThingSpeak.
At the Slovak University of Technology (STU), a recently established third-year course called Industrial IoT uses project-based learning to teach communication between hardware and software. However, with remote teaching becoming common due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to on-campus hardware has become limited for STU students, making hands-on learning difficult.
Owning a Campus-Wide License, STU has full access to MATLAB® and Simulink®, along with numerous ready-to-use examples of real-world hardware. This enabled instructors to replace controllers like PLCs—as well as various laboratory hardware—with simulated models.
However, instructors still needed a reliable IoT platform that would enable the data storage and transfer for analysis and visualization. Given its sound integration with MATLAB and Simulink, ThingSpeak™ was the optimal solution. It allowed instructors and students to use built-in communications and data analysis functions without the need to learn new tools.
