The following article was featured in Economic Times Education
In an increasingly technology-driven world where artificial intelligence and robotics have become an integral part of daily life, a career in STEM is the key to the future. STEM, an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math, is an interdisciplinary methodology that fosters a spirit of innovation and critical thinking.
In today’s digital age, the time is ripe for innovators and problem solvers to flourish. Multinational corporations and technology giants are on the lookout for core talent who can break down everyday problems in unique and the most cost-effective ways. They offer promising careers to those who can swiftly adapt to the ever-changing landscape and make the most of future-oriented technologies.
This is where carving out a niche for oneself in a field like robotics programming becomes important. In a world where anything and everything is just a tap away, robotics facilitates the automation of everyday tasks that are repetitive, mundane, and time-consuming through simple algorithms. You can program your robot in such a way that it reduces the time and resources needed to fulfill tasks big or small. It greatly improves efficiency and minimises the scope of human error. With a dash of creativity and innovation in design and technology, robots can be built in any shape or size and cater to any functionality. While some robots function based on the command given, others are able to perform tasks on their own based on the relevant algorithm.
What is robotics programming?
Nowadays, robotics courses are available for learners at all levels. Be it beginner-friendly modules or advanced courses, the options are aplenty. There are skill camps, workshops, and even olympiads to boost your knowledge in this field. Programs in robotics education are organized classes or extra-curricular activities that aim to teach students about the fundamentals, innovations, and uses of robotics.
Typically, these programs involve students designing, constructing, programming, and operating robots as part of an experiential learning process. Education robotics programs can vary from basic courses in elementary school to sophisticated workshops or competitions in secondary and tertiary education establishments. Competitions like the World Robot Olympiad prepare students in the best possible way and put their skills to the test. There are also a multitude of other options available in the market to facilitate robotics learning. These include robotics kits where kids learn by getting to know the technology, experimenting and most importantly all while having fun. It also makes STEM education more accessible and inclusive. Students can learn the required skills from the comfort of their homes.
Skills Acquired by Robotics Program
Robotics and artificial intelligence will be part of the future, and those with the ability to develop and manage technology will endure. Competitions like the World Robot Olympiad and such practical competitions better prepare students and put their skills to the test. Here are the skills that prosper by robotics programs:
Problem-solving abilities: Taking part in robotics activities requires you to recognize obstacles, come up with solutions, and troubleshoot problems that come up during the design and operation of robots. Pupils hone their problem-solving skills by learning to examine issues, dissect them into manageable parts, and come up with original solutions.
Critical thinking: Students participating in robotics programs are encouraged to critically assess various problem-solving strategies. They gain the ability to evaluate the viability of their projects, decide with knowledge, and modify their plans in response to criticism and observation. This cultivates an analytical and inquiring mentality that is necessary for managing challenging real-world situations.
Logical reasoning: Students must follow logical procedures when building and programming robots. They gain knowledge on how to plan ahead, sequence tasks, and troubleshoot coding or design flaws. Students gain logical thinking abilities through this process, which is essential for comprehending cause-and-effect relationships and drawing logical conclusions.
Spatial awareness: Using physical components in three-dimensional space is a need for designing and manufacturing robots. As they see and interact with items in their surroundings, students get an understanding of spatial awareness. This is a useful talent not only in robotics but also in engineering, design, and architecture. Precision and attention to detail are essential for robotics programs, particularly when coding or building mechanical parts. Pupils acquire the skill of diligence in their work, making sure that each part is positioned precisely and that each line of code is written correctly. This focus on detail results in better performance on a variety of professional and academic assignments.
Resilience and perseverance: Students typically face obstacles and difficulties when working on robotics projects, which often entail trial and error. Students who are persistent learn how to overcome setbacks, refine their designs, and keep going until they succeed. This helps kids develop a growth mindset and resilience by persuading them to see obstacles as chances for improvement.
It is certainly also important to take into account the ethical perspective of the evolving technical world. As the world is becoming automated, robotic evolution is taking place. Privacy does not hold a strong ground. Ethical advancement in robotics programming is essential. Ethical robot design, privacy issues, job displacement management, safety and security, and accountability for autonomous systems are important factors to take into account. This calls for careful regulation and appropriate usage in order to minimize possible risks and optimize benefits to society.
In conclusion, Robotics is the key to unlocking the future that STEM subjects are shaping more and more. Despite obstacles like gender inequality and access, STEM education, with its emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking, prepares students for success in technology-centric occupations. Advancing STEM education and motivating the upcoming generation of creators. Robotics courses provide vital skill development in today’s environment of fast evolution, where creativity is key. These courses, which range in difficulty from basic to advanced, promote cognitive growth and provide students the tools they need to solve problems and think critically, logically, spatially, with resilience and attention to detail. The ability to program robotics is becoming not only necessary but essential for navigating the complexity of today’s environment as technology develops.
Spokesperson: Dr Sarvjeet Herald – Director of Academics and Competitions at India STEM Foundation