Abstract:

Digital fabrication in education contributes to the development of students' digital skills, promoting active learning by bridging theory with real-world applications in social and professional contexts. In this context, active learning plays a fundamental role in making the educational process more efficient by enabling students to build knowledge through practical experience and develop essential skills for the job market. This paper describes the development of the SmartPill project, a device that integrates digital fabrication (3D printing and modeling) and embedded technology to organize and dispense medication at scheduled times, using sensors, microcontrollers, and connectivity to ensure accuracy, safety, and remote monitoring. The entire development was carried out in a digital fabrication laboratory, applying the knowledge acquired in digital fabrication training courses. This allowed students to gain hands-on experience in developing a technological product, providing a real experimentation environment using technologies such as Arduino (an open-source electronic platform that integrates hardware and software), smart sensors, programming, and IoT (Internet of Things) techniques and theories for data transmission and messaging via an application. As a result, the study demonstrated a positive impact on students' education by fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as they applied theoretical knowledge gained from the courses to concrete projects. This approach brings learning closer to the demands of the technology sector, serving as a practical example of the potential of digital fabrication in training future professionals in technology and engineering.

Keywords:

Digital fabrication, Active learning, Embedded technology, IoT, Automation.