USAGE OF SOFTWARE SIMULATORS FOR MODELING COMPONENTS OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS

Abstract

The article considers the problem of training qualified specialists in the fields of robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT). The use of virtual laboratories is proposed as an effective response to modern challenges of the educational process: the high cost of physical equipment, limited access to laboratories, distance learning. The use of software simulators allows to create a safe, interactive and effective environment for the formation of practical skills of future specialists. The paper analyzes the capabilities of the Tinkercad, Wokwi, UnoArduSim, SimulIDE simulators and justifies the feasibility of their integration into the educational process. It is noted that the choice of a specific tool depends on the educational tasks. Tinkercad is recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and block programming. Wokwi is identified as the best tool for developing IoT projects due to its support for emulating Wi-Fi connections. The SimulIDE simulator deserves special attention, which is distinguished by a convenient circuit editor, a large library of components, support for a wide range of microcontrollers, and the ability to simulate analog and digital circuits in real time. The simulator provides powerful measurement tools, a code editor, and a debugger for step-by-step code execution. The practical part of the article contains examples of modeling temperature sensors, motor control circuits, and network nodes, which confirms the effectiveness of simulators as a means of virtual prototyping. The authors conclude that the use of simulators not only compensates for the lack of physical equipment, but also becomes a powerful methodological tool that improves learning outcomes and develops problem-solving skills within STEM education.