DISA

When? Friday December 6th 14-16
Where? Onsite: D2272 at Linnaeus University in Växjö and online
Registration: Please sign up for the PhD-seminar via this link https://forms.gle/vTTmpqc19hutU3Dg6 by December 4th (especially important if you plan on attending onsite so we have fika for everyone)

14.00-14.10 Welcome and practical information from Welf Löwe
14.10-14.55 Presentation and discussion: Digital twin development for wheel loader – Manoranjan Kumar, industrial PhD-student Volvo CE
14.55 – 15.05 Coffee break
15.05 – 15.50 Presentation and discussion: Designing for thinking and engagement: challenges of teaching and learning Computational Thinking in K-12 – Rafael Zerga, PhD student LNU
15.50 -16.00 Sum up and plan for our seminars during the spring semester

Abstracts

Digital twin development for wheel loader – Manoranjan Kumar, industrial PhD-student Volvo CE

The need to virtually understand the machine usage is an important step in building the digital twin framework of a wheel loader (WL). Volvo Construction Equipment (VCE) has developed such a framework which includes data logging, complete vehicle simulations, and data analytics. Co-simulation is used in complete vehicle simulation to increase the simulation data accuracies. The framework also supports a variety of operator-driving simulations to mimic the real operator’s behaviors. This is achieved by integrating the operators’ model of the WL and its interaction with the power source model, i.e., the drive train, the hydraulics, and the material. The validation is done using real measurements which shows a good accuracy of the simulation. The results will be very useful for engineers in product development to improve WL design and controls using digital twins. The successful validation of the framework also paves the way for future research to enhance the virtual simulation techniques.

Designing for thinking and engagement: challenges of teaching and learning Computational Thinking in K-12 – Rafael Zerga, Phd student LNU

Computational Thinking is an approach for effective problem-solving which is being incorporated in the study curriculum of K-12 education in several countries in different regions of the world. Programming is considered a relevant skill in our digital society as it facilitates the process of solving problems. Sweden has introduced the teaching of programming in the subject matter of Mathematics and Technology since 2018. As technology advences newer and more natural ways of user interfaces come along which let the user interact with the computer in easier and more intuitive ways. The introduction of visual programming methods such as block-based programming has made a big impact in the way young students build algorithms without the need to learn complex programming syntax. However, students are still facing some challenges when learning basic programming concepts such as conditionals, variables and logic operators. The advent of emerging technologies such as generative AI based on the use of large language models (LLM) could allow for an even more natural form of interaction where the student would define algorithmic instructions using natural language. This approach to programming could increase the level of engagement in students when doing programming and it could facilitate a higher level of thinking in the process of solving a given problem, which is the essence of Computational Thinking.