Laboratory of the future: Karaganda students master digital technologies

From motion sensors to an intelligent control panel, the full range of digital technologies of a modern building is now available to students of the Karaganda College of Engineering and Construction. A Smart Home laboratory has been opened here for the practical training of future specialists. Special attention is paid to the introduction of elements of digitalization and artificial intelligence into the educational process.

The laboratory was created as a practical base for students of the specialty "real estate management" and related fields. Here they learn how to install and connect engineering systems, configure and program equipment, work with sensors and controllers, troubleshooting, and create automated control scenarios. Special attention is paid to diagnostics and troubleshooting, system operation analysis and the interaction of engineering and digital solutions in a single complex.

— The opening of the Smart Home laboratory enhances the practice-oriented learning. Students work with current equipment and real digital solutions that are used at the facilities. Such skills form their practical thinking and confidence in working with modern technologies," says Assel Saparova, director of the college.

Modern buildings are increasingly controlled by automated systems that optimize resource consumption and increase security. Therefore, the laboratory is equipped with equipment for controlling the main systems of the smart home. There is a central control panel made in Kazakhstan with a transparent panel that allows you to study the connection structure and the logic of the modules. Controllers and control modules developed by Astana Hub residents are used.

The laboratory features motion, temperature, light and water leakage sensors, automatic lighting, video surveillance, smart door locks, heating, ventilation, curtains and blinds controls. All processes are configured via mobile applications and voice services, which allows you to simulate modern scenarios of building operation. Familiarity with such technologies at the learning stage significantly increases the professional mobility and competitiveness of graduates in the labor market.

— The presence of a laboratory expands the possibilities of implementing dual training. In addition, it allows the college to train graduates who are maximally adapted to the requirements of employers and the real conditions of production," Assel Saparova notes.