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Robots In Education

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Does it make sense to have a robot as a teacher?
Is the presence of a robot used as an educator beneficial?
Well, it depends if you are an adult or a child. The following article reveals some results of a study on the influence of a robot educator.

Young children have been shown to be much more likely than adults to have their opinions and decisions influenced by robots.

A study from the University of Plymouth in England compared the way adults and children perform an identical task in the presence of peers (therefore humans) and humanoid robots.

The results showed that, although adults are often influenced by their peers, they can resist the persuasion of robots.
However, children aged seven to nine were more likely to give the same answer as the robot, even if they were clearly incorrect.

The study used the Asch paradigm, which asks people to look at a screen with four lines and indicate which lines are the same length.

When alone, people almost never make a mistake, but when they experience others, they tend to follow what others say.

Single children had an average score of 87% at the end of the test. This percentage dropped to 75% when they were joined by robots. And among the wrong answers, 74% corresponded to those of the robot.

By posting in Science Robotics, the scientists say the study provides an interesting insight into how robots could be used positively in society. However, they also say that this raises some concerns about the potential for the negative influence of robots on vulnerable young children.

The research was directed by researcher Anna Vollmer and Tony Belpaeme professor of robotics from the University of Plymouth and the University of Ghent.

Tony Belpaeme Says:

This gives an interesting overview of how robots could be used positively in society. People often follow the opinions of others and it has long been understood that it is difficult to resist the appropriation of the views and opinions of the people around us. This is established as a rule.

As we now find robots at home and in the workplace, it is interesting to see that children also comply with them.

Our results show that adults do not comply with what robots say. But when we did experience with children, they did.

This shows that children can perhaps have more affinities with robots than adults, which begs the question: what if the robots suggested, for example, which products to buy or what to think?

Robots are already used in education (like the Zora robot) and can be beneficial in learning STEM. In these environments, the robot is in a position where the information it provides can significantly affect the children with whom it interacts.

Some protective measures must be put in place, but used in the right way, these robotic educators could considerably improve the education of children.

But will robots replace teachers or will their roles be limited to that of assistants or tutors?

Why Robots Should Be Used In Schools

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As robots slowly infiltrate our daily lives, there should certainly be more in schools. This would help children get used to automation and gain experience in the areas of technology and science that dominate the labor market.

So why should schools start using robots in their lessons?

There Is Everything You Need To Get Started

Robotics is a subject that can be taught at any level or ability. The range of educational robots on the market, like LEGO® Education products, for example, covers all the key stages.

There are construction robot kits and programming examples suitable for four-year-olds.
Many products offer lesson plans and coding examples; they can be modified to suit all class levels.

From Scratch To C Arduino

Getting started with the Scratch programming language is ideal for young children. Coding is done simply with icons which is enough to align on a line to carry out a programmed sequence.

In a more advanced level of Scratch, it is possible to program your robot with blocks. With this special robotic version, the learner (8 years and over) can program conditions, functions, and variables. In this context, we are getting closer to the real syntax of programming.

Later, the Arduino C language will naturally impose itself from the age of 14.

Use Robotic Kits

You can use the robotic kits to teach other knowledge and skills. Above all, the idea of ​​introducing robots into schools is to learn what robots are.

Building and coding robot kits put children in a position where they manually manipulate sensors and motors, which helps improve motor skills and coordination.

In addition, you can also use robotics to introduce a reflection on real situations from the world around us. Children can learn about climate change, architecture, and engineering, as well as other topics such as biology by building and designing humanoids or animals, motorized platforms, bridges, and other structures.

Getting students to build robots introduces practical skills, where they can work as a team and exercise their communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills.

It is important to note that the introduction of robots in the class prepares children for the workforce of the 21st century. The workplace is changing rapidly and more and more industries are turning to automation (factories, sales areas, logistics, etc.). This forces students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics ( STEM ). It has been reported that 50% of today’s children will have a job that does not yet exist. So they have to prepare!

The introduction of robotic kits provides a basis for teaching computer programming. By starting with a physical robot and learning by demonstration, learners will find that the theoretical aspect is easier to grasp.

Taking robotics courses promotes innovation and students develop entrepreneurial skills since construction and programming require creative thinking.
By giving students the opportunity to explore robotics and engineering, they can create their own programs and allow them to watch the program sequences unfold in real-time.

Finally, playing with robots is fun and you will always learn and remember information better when it is fun.

Study While Having Fun

STIM is a program based on the idea of ​​educating learners in four specific disciplines – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teaching the four disciplines as separate subjects, STIM integrates them into a coherent learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

How To Become A Robotics Engineer

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Building robots is one thing, but it takes skilled people to design them. The role of the robotics engineer is to direct the design and construction of prototypes before mass production can take place.

Robots can be installed everywhere: in factories, hospitals, cars, trains, power plants, homes, gardens, etc. It also requires engineers specialized in maintenance and bringing together skills of assembler, mechanic, electrical engineer and automation engineer (electronics + programming).

You are passionate about robotics and perhaps you have already followed an initiation by consulting websites and by using Arduino boards and robotic kits for example…
Good!

You now want to go further, make it your job, rub shoulders with robots every day …
Why not?

Here is a 12-step guide filled with tips and links to free courses to start your career as a robotics engineer.

Learn The Theoretical Basics

1. Practice Basic Coding To Be Able To Program Your Robots

Coding is a fundamental part of robotics and you must know how to use variables, implement conditional statements, use functions and write new ones. Choose a programming language and study it yourself or take coding lessons to improve your knowledge.

The Arduino development environment allows you to get started easily to familiarize yourself with the instructions in C.
See at https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software.

The most popular coding languages ​​for robotics are Python, C and C ++.

Coding Resources

  • Begin and learn coding: https://mooc-francophone.com/cours/apprendre-a-coder-pour-les-vrais-debutants/
  • Learn to program in C: https://openclassrooms.com/fr/courses/19980-apprenez-a-programmer-en-c
  • Program in C ++ language: https://openclassrooms.com/fr/courses/1894236-programmez-avec-le-langage-c
  • C ++ course by Patrick Trau: http://ptrau.free.fr/program/cpp/
    Lessons and tutorials to learn C ++: https://cpp.developpez.com/cours/
  • Learn the Python programming language: https://python.doctor/
  • Lessons and tutorials to learn Python: https://python.developpez.com/cours/
  • Python: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/python

2. Learn Linear Algebra

Basic algebra is essential both to program a robot and to refine its code. Take algebra lessons in high school and college, or study algebra yourself to strengthen your math skills.

If you have problems with math and are still a student, ask your math teacher for help. Many schools also have math help labs to teach key concepts to exceptional students.

Math clubs also exist to “reconcile students with math” (bridge workshops, chess, cryptography, games, graphs…).

Math Resources

  • Online course: https://fr.khanacademy.org/math/linear-algebra,
  • http://www.mathematiques.club/,
  • http://culturemath.ens.fr/category/generalites-270,
  • http://www.maths-buc.fr/,
  • http://www.parimaths.fr/,
  • http://www2.animath.fr/spip.php?article2706,
  • https://mmi-lyon.fr/?site_club=club-de-mathematiques-discretes,
  • Finished sequences and differences (pdf).

3. Study Physics

Building robots involves understanding how your robot moves and interacts with the outside world. If you haven’t taken a physics course yet, sign up for an online program or learn the basics of physics on your own.

Many web-based institutions, such as KhanAcademy and The Open University, offer courses in physics, math and even computer science for free.

Physics Resources

  • Online course: https://fr.khanacademy.org/science/physics.

4. Study IT

Robotics is closely linked to computer science and a good understanding of the latter is essential for learning the former. Study computer science to acquire basic skills and try to keep up to date with articles or websites on computer science.

Many community colleges offer online or in-person computer classes at a reduced cost, even if you don’t sign up for a program.

Computer Resources

  • Data and algorithmics: http://ptrau.free.fr/program/algo.htm,
  • Infographic: http://ptrau.free.fr/program/infogr.htm,
  • Online course: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-science,
  • https://www.college-de-france.fr/site/audio-video/index.htm and do a search with the keyword IT and check the course section,
  • Example of a computer course by Gérard BERRY at the Collège de France: https://www.college-de-
  • france.fr/site/gerard-berry/course-2018-12-13-16h00.htm ,
  • Search the web with Ecosia: https://www.ecosia.org/search?q=apprendre+le+codage+informatique.

Websites Offering All Disciplines

  • http://www.open.ac.uk/,
  • https://www.coursera.org/,
  • https://fr.khanacademy.org,
  • https://www.college-de-france.fr/,
  • https://openclassrooms.com/fr/courses.

Develop Your Robotics Skills

5. Build Your First Robot Using A Kit Or By Designing It Yourself

You can buy robots online or at many electronics stores. Start with simple robots. As your experience progresses, move on to more complex patterns over time.

Once you have acquired basic robotics skills, purchase a construction kit and build your robot using coding, math and manual DIY based on the instructions in the kit. You can also create your prototypes using parts and tools available in most hardware stores or purchased in DIY or model stores.

6. Take Robotics Lessons

While studying robotics yourself is useful, robotics lessons can teach you advanced techniques. Ask your local colleges or associations if they offer robotics lessons or sign up for an online course to develop new robotics skills.

Robotics Course Resources

  • https://openclassrooms.com/fr/courses/4262331-demarrez-votre-projet-avec-python
  • https://www.khanacademy.org/science/electrical-engineering/robots
  • https://www.khanacademy.org/science/electrical-engineering/lego-robotics

If you don’t have time for a robotics class, try reading books or articles on robotics and books on drones instead.

7. Join A Robotics Club

To share your passion with others and receive advice, joining a club, a fablab or an association is a good solution. Robotics is not just a hobby. If you want to build robots with other people, this can also be a way to build lasting friendships. Join the robotics club of your school or your municipality or the neighboring city to share your hobby with other people and learn new ways to build robots.

If you can’t find a robotics club in your area, consider setting up your own.

8. Take Part In Robotics Contests

When you are ready to present your projects and you have learned to program basic robots, enter your inventions in a local contest or in a big robotics contest. No matter how you do it, robotics competitions can be a great way to test your robots and learn how to improve them.

If you are not comfortable entering a competition, you can always attend first. You can not only get an idea of ​​what robotics competitions look like, but you can also find inspiration for your own robots by looking at all forms of competitions.

Study Advanced Robotics

9. Learn Trigonometry And Statistics

While linear algebra is enough for basic robots, you may need to learn advanced math to build complexes. Study trigonometry or statistics yourself, or take a course online or at a local college.

If you have trouble with advanced math, ask other robotics enthusiasts for advice. Perhaps they can make the connection between math and the skills you know and understand to make it easier to learn new concepts.

10. Study The Robot’s Operating System To Customize Your Projects

The robot operating system (ROS) is the most common software for designing robots. If you want to create your own complex robots without the help of a kit or guide, learning to use ROS can help you program your creations.

The use of ROS requires mastery of a coding language, preferably C ++ or Python. Before downloading the ROS, first think about improving your programming skills.

You can also take a course on ROS online or at some colleges to learn more about the software and clarify any questions.

Advanced Robotics And ROS Resources

  • https://www.gdr-robotique.org/cours_de_robotique/
  • https://www.gdr-robotique.org/cours_de_robotique/online/Serhrouchni_ROS_TP/Serhrouchni_ROS.pdf
  • https://www.gdr-robotique.org/cours_de_robotique/online/Serhrouchni_ROS_TP/TP_Serhrouchni_Rob-Eddie-ROS.pdf

11. Obtain A Degree In Robotics Engineering

In Canada, the University of Sherbrooke offers a Bachelor in Robotics Engineering. See on the university website the official version of this program.

If you want and if you are serious, this course can teach you how to design and repair complex robots.

In France, the training titles look more like this:

  • Industrial Maintenance Technician (Bac level),
  • Mechatronics and Robotics training,
  • Robotics Technician,
  • Professional license – Robotics and automation,
  • Engineering diploma in robotics
  • Research with the orientation-pour-tous.fr site: robotics training

12. Become A Robotics Engineer

If you develop a passion for your hobby, robotics engineering is a career that involves the design and creation of robots. To become a robotics engineer, most companies recruit with a Bac + 5 in robotics engineering or in a related field of engineering.

Related fields of study include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering.
The tasks of robotics engineers include designing and testing robots, debugging codes, maintaining or repairing robots, and integrating robots into electronic devices.

Conclusion

Developing robotics skills takes time, effort and dedication. If you’re having trouble learning the basics at first, don’t give up. Continue to practice your weaknesses until they become strengths.

Learning to code is one of the most important skills for building and programming robots. Before taking a robotics class or building your first robot, practice basic coding in a popular language like Java, C ++ or Python.

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