The summer school aims to develop an easy-to-use online robot simulation tool to introduce young students to robotics. Moreover, it should be possible to transfer their programs to a real robot kit. The motivation is to bring more young learners towards interest in STEM and finally a high-level STEM and robotics education. Participants will gain knowledge and competence in robotics technology, creation of teaching material, and teaching skills, enabling them to conduct workshops and train teachers. The outcome of the summer school will include the browser-based simulation framework and teaching materials, aimed at reaching more teachers and their classes. Moreover, we expect discussions about the future directions of educational robotics.
Browser-based robot simulators offer a cost-effective entry point, addressing the barrier of high computational demands and expensive hardware. Leveraging the Open Robotera framework and the RoboCup Junior Rescue Line challenge, we aim to create a low-barrier appealing simulation environment.
In the summer school program, lectures and hands-on sessions will help educators to refine their skills in teaching robotics.
The technical education will include lectures by experts in educational robotics, robot simulators, and teaching concepts. A prototype of the simulation tool will be available at the start of the summer school and will be expanded and used in practical sessions.
In the didactical/teaching part we will discuss how young learners may be enticed to create increasingly complex scenarios, first in simulation and eventually using a robot kit.
Our aim is to raise awareness of the potential of robotics and AI among children. In 2026 the largest robotics conference, ICRA – International Conference on Robotics and Automation, will come to Vienna, Austria. We want to use this opportunity to make as many children as possible aware of the potential of robotics and AI. Participants of this summer school are encouraged to become “multipliers”, spreading knowledge to schools and children (additional funding for support will be available). Further, by directly engaging with children and schools we seek to combat skepticism towards technology and build the foundation for a new generation to address future challenges in society, industry, and climate.