ProtoCalib: Interactive Kit for Sensor Monitoring and Evaluation in Educational IoT Environments

Abstract

This paper presents ProtoCalib, a modular and interactive kit designed for the monitoring, calibration, and evaluation of sensors in educational environments based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposal addresses the need to strengthen practical engineering training through accessible, replicable, and connected tools, integrating elements of hybrid simulation and rapid prototyping. The system supports multiple categories of sensors (temperature, gases, angle, distance, contact, speed, and color/light) and is structured in independent modules connected to an ESP32 platform programmed in MicroPython, linked to a desktop application developed with PySide6 for real-time data visualization and logging. Its architecture enables signal analysis and calibration through linear regression algorithms, as well as data export for advanced analysis. The open-source and low-cost design facilitates adoption in academic contexts, fostering the practical teaching of sensing, instrumentation, and IoT concepts. Validation was carried out in collaboration with the Mechatronic Engineering Research Group (GIIM), ensuring the system’s reliability and pedagogical relevance. As a result, ProtoCalib stands as a tool that integrates hardware, software, and active learning, promoting the development of competencies in digital instrumentation and strengthening the connection between theory and practice in higher education.