The Physical Computing Network

A new international research network launched this January 2026 to strengthen collaboration between leading research groups in Sweden and the United States, with a shared focus on advancing STEM and STEAM education through physical computing. The network, funded by the Swedish Research Council, aims to bring together researchers from both countries to explore how physical computing, combining programmable hardware, sensors, and interactive technologies, can support learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).

What we do

Physical computing refers to using microcontrollers (e.g., Microbit, Arduino) and other electronic components (e.g., resistors, LEDs, actuators, sensors) to build physical artefacts using, for instance recycled materials. These artefacts can also be interactive through programming the microcontrollers. In this way, the created artefacts can sense and respond to the physical world. Physical computing can be integrated transversally not only into STEAM but also into other subjects at school.

The network takes a holistic approach to physical computing from the research and educational aspects to practical prototyping and community building.

Education

Research

Prototyping

Community

Latest updates

• SIGCSE Virtual 2026 Working Group Accepted!
  We are delighted to announce that our WG Examining Physical Computing as a STEAM Pathway for Under-represented Learners, led by the network members Calkin, Megan, and Sara has been accepted at SIGCSE Virtual 2026 \^_^/. We are seeking 5-7 collaborators to join us in examining how physical computing and creative making can broaden pathways into… Read more: SIGCSE Virtual 2026 Working Group Accepted!
• International Workshop on Physical Computing
  ICER26 Co-located Event The Physical Computing Network invites interested people to the pre-conference international workshop co-located alongside the ACM InternationalConference in Computing Education Research (ICER) 2026. The workshop will take place on Monday 10 August 2026, 9:00-16:00 at Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden The workshop will provide a platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners from… Read more: International Workshop on Physical Computing

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