The RoboSteamSen project (2023-1-ES01-KA220-SCH-000155379) is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

SimSpark

Typology
Technological
Resource description
The SimSpark is a multi-robot simulator based on the generic components of the Spark physical multi-agent simulation system and its main application is in the Soccer Competitions. This simulator is implemented through the Open Dynamics Engine (ODE) for physically realistic dynamics simulation, allowing fast rigid body simulations, collision detection and the use of articulated body structures. It also includes a 3D visualization based on OpenGL, enabling the possibility to create scenes. The creation of new robot models it is possible using the Ruby interface in which is an interpreted language.
https://robocup-sim.gitlab.io/SimSpark/
Sample of use in education with students with IDD
By offering a controlled environment to practice, simulations allow educators and students to experiment, receive feedback, and improve their skills without the immediate consequences of working with real-robots.
Difficulties to which it could be applied
Learning and Cognitive Challenges
  • Cognitive Abilities
  • Trouble understanding math problems
  • Reading, writing or maths challenges
Social Communication Challenges, Emotional Regulation
  • Sharing of interests, emotions, or affect
Social Communication Challenges
  • Cooperative Interaction
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests, Sensory Processing and Sensitivities
  • Specific sensory preferences
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests, Specialized Skills and Talents
  • Memory and attention to detail
  • Intense focus
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
  • Specialized skills or talents
Emotional Regulation
  • Anxiety
  • Harmful activities
Executive Functioning and Flexibility, Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
  • Mental rigidity, need to follow routines
Executive Functioning and Flexibility, Learning and Cognitive Challenges
  • Time management
  • Sharing a common focus
Executive Functioning and Flexibility
  • Short attention span
  • Managing transition and adaption to changes and new situations
Emotional Regulation, Social Communication Challenges
  • Problems initiating and maintaining conversations
  • Making/Keeping friends
Learning Objetives
  • Cognitive and Behavioral Flexibility
  • Enhancing Sensory Regulation Strategies
  • Facilitating Peer Interaction and Social Interaction Skills
  • Improving Attention and focus
  • Improving knowledge application
  • Improving Social Communication Skills
  • Learning competences
  • Learning Engineering concepts
  • Learning Maths concepts
  • Learning Science concepts
  • Learning Technology concepts
  • Listening competences
  • Practical competences