NI and PTC Collaborate to Bring IoT Education to the Engineering Classroom

NI, the provider of platform-based systems that enable engineers and scientists to solve the world’s greatest engineering challenges, today announced a new Internet of Things (IoT) teaching approach with a suite of advanced tools. Professors and students can take advantage of these teaching tools, which consist of the myRIO Student Embedded Device, LabVIEW toolkits, PTC’s ThingWorxs software and projects created by Tufts University, to build real-world IoT applications in the classroom.

The integration of myRIO and the PTC ThingWorxs online tools fosters innovative learning experiences that rapidly connect real-world measurements to cloud-hosted analysis and visualization through LabVIEW system design software. An online community built specifically for educators to collaborate on cutting-edge lab experiences hosts these learning resources.

“The goal of this teaching solution is to use technology and methodologies that engage students and augment traditional courses like electronics and mechatronics,” said Andy Bell, director of academic programs at NI. “The result is the acceleration of engineering research and student discovery through IoT. Our partnership with thought-leading companies and universities such as PTC and Tufts drives a new approach in this space.”

“This is a significant partnership, not just for PTC and NI, but for educators globally who are trying to keep pace with the massive impact the IoT is having on education, “said Jordon Cox, senior vice president of the PTC Academic Program. “The combination of advanced hardware, the world’s foremost IoT platform, and collaboration with one of the world’s most notable engineering departments is removing the barriers to teaching IoT.”

Educators who are ready to bring the IoT into their existing curriculum can apply for a summer beta program. The program gives educators early access to an all new LabVIEW toolkit, student focused projects and industry support that deliver a new approach to education using cloud technology and an opportunity to provide feedback on the solution itself.