EduSim-LLM: An Educational Platform Integrating Large Language Models and Robotic Simulation for Beginners

Synthesis: Lu and Zhang (2026) present EduSim-LLM, an educational platform that integrates large language models with robot simulation to make robotic control accessible to beginners. Recognizing that the integration of natural language understanding into robotic control is a key challenge in human-robot interaction, the platform constructs a language-driven control model that translates natural-language instructions into executable robot behaviour sequences in CoppeliaSim. The authors design two human-robot interaction models — direct control and autonomous control — and conduct systematic evaluations of their educational and practical accessibility.

Key Findings

Study Design & Method

This is a platform development and evaluation study. The researchers designed and implemented EduSim-LLM, an educational platform combining LLMs with the CoppeliaSim robot simulator, with a language-driven control model that converts natural-language instructions into executable robot behaviour sequences. They developed two human-robot interaction models (direct control and autonomous control) and conducted systematic evaluations to assess the platform's usability and effectiveness for beginner learners of robotic control and programming.

Implications for AI in Education

EduSim-LLM shows how large language models can lower the barrier to Educational Robotics by enabling natural-language control of simulated robots, making robotics accessible to beginner programmers. It connects to Computational Thinking, robotic simulation, and the educational use of embodied AI. For educators, it demonstrates a pathway for teaching robot programming without requiring low-level code expertise, supporting K 12 and introductory higher-education robotics learning through conversational control.

Limitations

The evaluation focuses on platform accessibility and usability for beginners rather than comprehensive learning-outcome measurement. The simulation environment (CoppeliaSim) and the specific LLM integration may not generalize to physical robots or other platforms. The two interaction models (direct vs. autonomous control) may trade off differently across learner levels and tasks.

Connected Concepts

Connected Articles

Citation

Lu, S., & Zhang, L. (2026). EduSim-LLM: An educational platform integrating large language models and robotic simulation for beginners. arXiv:2601.01196.