ROTENA - Project Description

Project Results

Benchmarking: The Project will include some desk based work initially to cover the field i.e. the literature of what basic robotics and 3D printing training is available, what is known and researched i.e. benchmark work; (a) identify the current techniques/training programmes and (b) understand their value and usage.

Analytical activities: Carrying out a European survey and data collection activity on the use and value of robotic and 3D printing training among young people and identifying good practice.

Training activities: Development of an appropriate training programme for use by training institutions with the expectation that they will adapt/modify the modules to their required needs and add to existing training programmes already available.

Mutual learning, exchange of good practices, cooperation: The promotion and dissemination of good practices of training at a European level as determined by the “Analytical Activities”.

December 2016

May 2017

November 2017

August 2018

Introduction

This Project (October 2016 - September 2018) aims to use the motivational effects of robotics (including AI (Artificial Intelligence)) and 3D printing to excite students (particularly young people) about science and to develop programmes to enable them to engage in the "New Age Technology” revolution.

Specifc Aim

The specific aim of the Project will be to develop an introductory training programme, incorporating a combination of robotics competition activities and curriculum, designed to help teachers to teach programming skills to young people to enable them to gain knowledge and experience of these new technologies, including the use and application of 3D printing (which can be used to build the component parts of robots).

Project Focus

The focus is on developing an entry-level curriculum (particularly for young people) to enable them to develop their skills and competencies to understand the principles of robotics and 3D printing and their widespread application in industry in order for them to access jobs in these new-age industrial sectors.

The rapid increase in the use of robots in our homes and at work, in hospitals and industrial environments provides an inspiring vision about how they can benefit society as a whole and how priorities to stimulate robotics should be defined at this point in their evolution, to best develop the potential for growth, jobs and innovation in Europe.

Europe is one of the world leading regions in industrial robotics with a share of more than 25% of supply and use. The growth of the sector is expected to be more 6 % per year in the next 3 years to reach more than 32 B$ by 2016.

Growth and job creation goes along with innovative scientific developments. Current focus includes science-based understanding of robotics abilities, alongside with improved technology and use-oriented innovation that is fit for purpose.