From the heart of engineering innovation: Emirates International University students develop a smart parking system using “digital twin” and smart city technologies
University Media
In an academic scene reflecting the future of smart engineering and embodying the spirit of technological innovation, Emirates International University witnessed the discussion of a unique graduation project by students from the Mechatronics Engineering Department: “Design and Implementation of a Smart Vertical Rotating Parking System with Real-Time Digital Twin Synchronization.” This advanced engineering project combines software intelligence, mechanical systems, industrial control, and modern smart city technologies.
The project was presented by the innovative students: Younis Mohammed Ali Al-Awdi, Mohammed Nabil Abdulbadi Abdulhadi, and Hussein Mohammed Abdullah Al-Humaikani. It was supervised by Professor Dr. Radwan Al-Badhiji, with Engineer Hajar Al-Muqaleh serving as assistant supervisor, as part of the graduation projects submitted to fulfill the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering.
The discussion committee consisted of: Professor Dr. Radwan Al-Badhiji, Professor Dr. Farouk Al-Fahidi, and Professor Dr. Hisham Aqlan.
The project reflects the advanced level of scientific competence and practical skills of the students at Emirates International University. It addresses one of the most prominent contemporary urban challenges: the parking crisis in rapidly growing cities like Sana'a and Taiz. The solution is a smart and innovative vertical rotary parking system with six parking spaces, supported by "digital twin" technology for real-time synchronization between the real system and a virtual model.
The project relies on the seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and software systems within a unified mechatronic architecture. The mechanical structure is designed using steel platforms driven by a mechanical chain and an industrial induction motor, along with an intelligent control system based on an ESP32 microcontroller. This system implements a "shortest path" algorithm to determine the fastest and most efficient rotation direction.
The project also features the application of a SCADA environment using MATLAB to create a digital twin that is synchronized with the real system in real time. This allows for real-time visual monitoring and operation of the system, representing a technological leap that reflects the students' awareness of the latest smart industry applications and future infrastructure.
The experimental results demonstrated the system's high efficiency in precise autonomous movement, optimal shortest path selection, and seamless visual synchronization between the real and virtual models. This confirms the project's scalability and applicability in Yemeni urban environments using locally available and low-cost industrial components.
This outstanding project exemplifies the qualitative transformation underway at the Emirates International University in preparing engineering professionals capable of keeping pace with the modern industrial revolution. This is achieved through a sophisticated academic environment focused on innovation, scientific research, practical application, and aligning educational outcomes with societal needs and smart development.
The Emirates International University continues to solidify its position as an incubator of creativity and excellence by graduating a generation of engineers and innovators capable of developing practical technological solutions that contribute to building a smarter and more sustainable future for Yemen and the region.
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