Parma, May 27, 2026 - As part of the master's degree program in Data Science for Management at the University of Parma, an innovative educational initiative has been launched that combines IoT technologies, data analysis, and concrete environmental applications. The focus is on Raspberry Pi microcomputers: 20 were distributed to students, organized into working groups, with the aim of developing real-world solutions for data monitoring.
Among the activities, one of the groups installed a system equipped with a fine particulate matter sensor in the cafeteria of the Department of Economics and Management. The device was connected to the MathWorks MATLAB platform, enabling real-time data collection, processing, and visualization via ThingSpeak cloud.
Involved faculty members include Asad Ullah Khan (Statistical Modeling) and Marco Riani (Statistics).
The initiative, which demonstrates a teaching approach strongly oriented toward experiential learning and innovation, was made possible thanks to a curricular development project funded by MathWorks, with a significant contribution from Paolo Panarese of MathWorks Italia. Also noteworthy is the support of faculty members Aldo Corbellini (Economic Statistics) and Gianluca Morelli (Statistics) for programming the devices.
To the best of the promoters' knowledge, this is one of the first experiences of its kind in an Economics Department internationally, confirming the University of Parma's role as a pioneer in interdisciplinary education.
The project embodies the spirit of the University of Parma's Data Science for Management program: integrating analytical skills, advanced technological tools, and practical applications to address contemporary challenges.
After being used in this initiative, the microcomputers will now be passed on to engineering students for use in their courses.
