A Digital-Twin Automotive STEM Trainer for Motion Simulation, Telemetry, and Hardware-in-the-Loop Control

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Recent advances in the automotive industry call for modernized STEM education platforms that integrate mechanical design, embedded electronics, software development, and the emerging digital-twin paradigm. However, many institutions lack didactic platforms or apparatus that unify these domains within a single experiential environment. To address this gap, we present the Digital Twin Automotive Trainer, a Python–encoded Tkinter graphical user interface (GUI) that couples virtual vehicle motion simulation with remote actuation of a physical mobile platform. The vehicle’s 3D model is created using COMSOL Multiphysics CAD tool, and the resulting 2D aerial projection is rotated and translated by Python program to support analyses of vehicle kinematics, sensing, and control–software interaction. The GUI provides real-time pose visualization, steering-angle history, and multi-sensor telemetry, while synchronized keyboard, slider, and button inputs command the real vehicle. Serial communication streams physical speed, inertial and proximity measurements into the virtual model, enabling side-by-side comparison of predicted and measured behavior. The developed digital-twin platform supports experiential learning, model validation, and laboratory instructions in intelligent mobility and cyber-physical systems.

Publication Title

Proceedings of the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Design and Control of Automation and Drive Systems Idcd 2026

ISBN

[9798331573287]

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