{"id":2628,"date":"2025-10-10T08:12:57","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T08:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/?p=2628"},"modified":"2025-10-10T08:47:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T08:47:08","slug":"eco-sight-botanic-stem-ai-and-iot-driven-hydroponic-innovation-transforming-stem-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/2025\/10\/10\/eco-sight-botanic-stem-ai-and-iot-driven-hydroponic-innovation-transforming-stem-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Eco-Sight: Botanic STEM \u2014 AI and IoT-Driven Hydroponic Innovation Transforming STEM Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In a groundbreaking step towards integrating sustainability, digital innovation, and education, researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)<\/strong> have developed Eco-Sight: Botanic STEM<\/strong> \u2014 an AI-integrated, solar-powered hydroponic system that brings real-world scientific learning into classrooms<\/p>\n

Led by Dr. Nabilah Kasim<\/strong> from the Laser Center, Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Faculty of Science, UTM<\/strong>, in collaboration with experts from the Faculties of Civil, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering<\/strong>, this initiative aims to empower students and teachers with hands-on experience in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainable agriculture technologies.<\/p>\n

Bridging Technology, Education, and Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eco-Sight: Botanic STEM integrates AI-driven predictive management<\/strong>, IoT-based monitoring<\/strong>, and solar-powered hydroponics<\/strong> into a single educational platform. Through this innovation, primary and secondary students learn to design, program, and operate<\/strong> automated hydroponic systems using microcontrollers, cloud dashboards, and sensors that track temperature, pH, humidity, and light intensity in real-time.<\/p>\n

The program combines seven interrelated phases<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Training of Trainers (ToT)<\/strong> \u2013 equipping teachers with the technical skills to manage AI-IoT systems.<\/li>\n
  2. Mentorship<\/strong> \u2013 providing students with guidance from UTM mentors and engineering professionals.<\/li>\n
  3. STEM Education Integration<\/strong> \u2013 linking hydroponic projects with science, mathematics, and ICT curricula.<\/li>\n
  4. Student-Centred Learning<\/strong> \u2013 encouraging self-directed exploration and problem-solving.<\/li>\n
  5. Experiential Learning<\/strong> \u2013 promoting hands-on understanding of plant growth and sustainability.<\/li>\n
  6. Community Engagement<\/strong> \u2013 connecting schools, parents, and local communities through exhibitions.<\/li>\n
  7. Entrepreneurial Academia<\/strong> \u2013 fostering innovation and business awareness through prototype commercialization<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cThis project transforms STEM education by linking classroom concepts to sustainability challenges. Students don\u2019t just learn theory \u2014 they experience real-world innovation through AI and green technology,\u201d said Dr. Nabilah Kasim<\/strong>, the project leader.<\/p>\n

    Empowering Students through Smart Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Implemented at primary schools across Johor, the Eco-Sight initiative reached 28 UTM student mentors, 20 teachers, and 60 students<\/strong>, creating a dynamic ecosystem of teaching, learning, and community engagement.<\/p>\n

    Survey results revealed remarkable outcomes:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • 87%<\/strong> of students reported increased excitement and curiosity in STEM.<\/li>\n
    • 82%<\/strong> connected classroom learning with real-world applications.<\/li>\n
    • 76%<\/strong> of community participants found the program valuable for promoting sustainability awareness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Students observed how AI algorithms forecast nutrient needs by analyzing pH<\/strong>, electrical conductivity (EC)<\/strong>, and growth patterns<\/strong>, enabling proactive system adjustments. This hands-on exposure helped learners grasp machine learning concepts and computational thinking in a tangible way<\/p>\n

      The hydroponic system\u2019s solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply<\/strong> further demonstrates sustainable energy use, teaching students about renewable power generation and eco-efficient technology. The IoT dashboard enables continuous monitoring and alerts for system anomalies, promoting data-driven decision-making and scientific observation.<\/p>\n

      Inspiring Future Innovators and Green Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The project not only enhances STEM understanding but also cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset<\/strong> among students. Participants were encouraged to turn their hydroponic prototypes into school-based innovations or commercial kits. This approach aligns with UTM\u2019s vision of entrepreneurial academia<\/strong>, where research and education lead to societal impact.<\/p>\n

      \u201cEco-Sight helps young learners realize that science and innovation can solve real problems \u2014 from food security to renewable energy,\u201d added Dr. Nabilah<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Through partnerships with teachers and local communities, the project embodies UTM\u2019s commitment to sustainability education<\/strong> and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • SDG 2<\/strong> \u2013 Zero Hunger (through sustainable food production)<\/li>\n
      • SDG 4<\/strong> \u2013 Quality Education (via experiential STEM learning)<\/li>\n
      • SDG 7<\/strong> \u2013 Affordable and Clean Energy (with solar power integration)<\/li>\n
      • SDG 9<\/strong> \u2013 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (through AI and IoT applications)<\/li>\n
      • SDG 13<\/strong> \u2013 Climate Action (by promoting eco-friendly practices).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        A Model for Future-Ready STEM Education<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Eco-Sight: Botanic STEM represents a new model of education that blends science, technology, engineering, and sustainability<\/strong>. The initiative demonstrates that when AI, IoT, and renewable energy are integrated into education, they cultivate future-ready, socially responsible learners<\/strong> equipped with both digital and environmental literacy.<\/p>\n

        \u201cThis innovation bridges the gap between classroom learning and the real world. It encourages students to think like scientists, engineers, and changemakers,\u201d said Dr. Nabilah<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        The project\u2019s success underscores UTM\u2019s leadership in STEM innovation and sustainability<\/strong>, proving that experiential learning can inspire a generation of young thinkers who will drive Malaysia\u2019s green and digital future.<\/p>\n

        \ud83d\udccd Project Title:<\/strong> Eco-Sight: Botanic STEM \u2013 Integrating AI and Smart Hydroponics for STEM Education<\/em>
        \ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83c\udfeb Principal Investigator:<\/strong> Dr. Nabilah Kasim<\/em>, Laser Center, Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Faculty of Science, UTM
        \ud83d\udce7 Contact:<\/strong> k.nabilah@utm.my<\/p>\n

        \ud83d\udd17 Explore more STEM and sustainability innovations at:<\/strong> https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

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        In a groundbreaking step towards integrating sustainability, digital innovation, and education, researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have developed Eco-Sight: Botanic STEM \u2014 an AI-integrated, solar-powered hydroponic system that brings real-world scientific learning into classrooms Led by Dr. Nabilah Kasim from the Laser Center, Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Faculty of Science, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":390,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-innovation"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/390"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2628"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2628\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}