Integrating Robotics, Logistics, and Programming in STEM Education

Article Preview

Abstract:

This paper presents a qualitative, descriptive study addressing the imperative of developing multidisciplinary skills in STEM education to prepare students for the challenges of Industry 4.0. Acknowledging the limitations of traditional analytical and technical training, the study focuses on the significance of teamwork and the combination of multiple STEM skills. Multidisciplinary programming projects can be used effectively in higher education to facilitatie cross-disciplinary collaboration among students. Our pilot project, presented in this paper, uniquely contributes to this discourse by integrating logistics, robotics, and programming into a graphical simulation software that represents the 3D model of a warehouse with a programmable forklift truck tasked with navigating and transporting parcels. This paper discusses the methodology, outcomes, and implications of the pilot project, highlighting its role in preparing STEM students for the complex challenges of an interconnected world and Industry 4.0.

You might also be interested in these eBooks

Info:

Periodical:

Pages:

283-293

Citation:

Online since:

June 2025

Export:

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Permissions PLS:

Сopyright:

© 2025 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

[1] F. Hecklau, M. Galeitzke, S. Flachs, and H. Kohl. (2016) Holistic approach for human resource management in Industry 4.0. Procedia CIRP, 54, 1-6

DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2016.05.102

Google Scholar

[2] A. Benešová, and J. Tupa. (2017) Requirements for education and qualification of people in Industry 4.0. Procedia Manufacturing, 11, 2195-2202

DOI: 10.1016/j.promfg.2017.07.366

Google Scholar

[3] L. Prifti, M. Knigge, H. Kienegger, and Krcmar. (2017) A Competency Model for "Industrie 4.0" Employees. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Wirtschaftsinformatik, 46-60.

Google Scholar

[4] A. Schumacher, S. Erol, and W. Sihn. (2016) A maturity model for assessing Industry 4.0 readiness and maturity of manufacturing enterprises. Procedia CIRP, 52, 161-166

DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2016.07.040

Google Scholar

[5] L.S. Nadelson, and A. Seifert, (2017) Integrated STEM defined: Contexts, challenges, and the future. The Journal of Educational Research, 110(3), 221-223

DOI: 10.1080/00220671.2017.1289775

Google Scholar

[6] D.R. Whitaker, and B.S. Caldwell, (2012). What We Learn from STEM Undergraduate Student Project Teams. 42nd International Conference on Environmental Systems. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2012-3569[7] A.V.D. Beemt, M.A.J. MacLeod, J.V.D. Veen, A.V.D. Ven, S.V. Baalen, R. Klaassen, and M. Boon, (2020) Interdisciplinary engineering education: A review of vision, teaching, and support. Journal of Engineering Education, 109(3), 508-555

DOI: 10.1002/jee.20347

Google Scholar

[8] D. Mourtzis, E. Vlachou, G. Dimitrakopoulos, and V. Zogopoulos, (2018) Cyber-Physical Systems and Education 4.0 - The Teaching Factory 4.0 Concept. Procedia Manufacturing, 23, 129- 134

DOI: 10.1016/j.promfg.2018.04.005

Google Scholar

[9] Z. Huang, E. Kougianos, X. Ge, S. Wang, P.D. Chen, and L. Cai, (2021) A Systematic Interdisciplinary Engineering and Technology Model Using Cutting-Edge Technologies for STEM Education

DOI: 10.1109/te.2021.3062153

Google Scholar

[10] A.D.S. Jacinto, E.A.D. Nizo, M.I.D. Silva, A.G. Vieira, D. Germano, T.L.S. Fortunato, and E.M. Carneiro, (2017) Interdisciplinarity: A Bridge Between Undergraduate Learners and Researchers

DOI: 10.20533/licej.2040.2589.2017.0353

Google Scholar

[11] S.S. Guzey, S. Caskurlu, and K. Kozan, (2020) Integrated STEM Pedagogies and Student Learning

DOI: 10.4324/9780429021381-8

Google Scholar

[12] S. Meloeny, What is Industry 4.0? https://www.calsoft.com/what-is-industry-4-0/ (2022.07.18)

Google Scholar

[13] K.S. Kiss, (2023) Warehouse Simulation Sofware https://github.com/KissKonradUni/ROSForkliftSimulation/releases

Google Scholar

[14] K.S. Kiss, (2023) Documentation for Warehouse Simulation Software https://github.com/KissKonradUni/ROSForkliftSimulation/blob/main/Docu mentation/documentation.pdf

Google Scholar