Are you interested in robotics or considering enrolling your child in a robotics course? Today we're going to share insight into what STEM robotics is, why it’s important, and where it falls in a STEM education. We'll also reveal some great robotics programs, kits, and competitions so you can jump right into the fun!
To help your child learn robotics, join award-winning online robotics classes and camps for kids led live by experts, and designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT. Most students begin with Junior Robotics.
Discover STEM Robotics
Explore the exciting world of STEM robotics and see how it fits into the broader STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) landscape.
Is robotics included in STEM?
Absolutely! Robotics is a key component of STEM. It’s a hands-on way to dive into these subjects and make learning interactive and fun. By working with robots, students can actively engage with science, technology, engineering, and math in a practical and exciting way.
What is STEM robotics?
STEM robotics combines science, engineering, and technology in a unique and engaging way. It’s all about building and programming robots, which helps students understand and apply STEM concepts. Robotics involves designing, constructing, and operating robots, making it a fantastic tool for exploring these essential fields. Through robotics, students learn about computer systems, engineering principles, and much more, all while having fun!
The Five Major Fields of Robotics: An Overview
Robotics is an ever-evolving field, and it can be broken down into five core areas that make up the foundation of almost all robotics systems. Understanding these areas is key for students who want to dive into robotics and parents looking to support their child’s interest in STEM.
- Operator Interface (Human-Robot Interaction): This is all about communication between humans and robots. How do you tell a robot what to do? The operator interface is the bridge that connects people and machines, enabling smooth, intuitive control. This can include anything from a joystick to more advanced systems like voice commands or even virtual reality setups. As robotics technology advances, this interface is becoming more user-friendly, allowing anyone from a child to an expert to operate complex machines with ease.
- Mobility and Locomotion: This field covers how robots move. Whether it's a robot with wheels, legs, tracks, or even drones in the air, mobility is essential for robots to interact with the world. There are several types of locomotion, including walking, rolling, climbing, and swimming. This is a fascinating area for students interested in both biology and engineering, as many robotic movements are inspired by animals.
- Mechanical Components and Structure: The physical makeup of a robot – its parts and components – determines what it can do. Just as the skeleton and muscles allow humans to move and lift, the gears, motors, and actuators are the "muscles" of a robot. Each component must work seamlessly together to perform tasks like gripping, lifting, or even doing fine motor tasks like threading a needle. Understanding how these components interact is crucial for those interested in mechanical engineering.
- Programming and Control Systems: How do robots know what to do? This involves the "brains" of the robot – its programming. From basic commands to complex AI algorithms, control systems govern a robot’s actions based on input from sensors and predefined instructions. Today, there are hundreds of programming languages and tools available for coding robots, ranging from beginner-friendly platforms like Scratch to more advanced languages like Python and C++. This area offers a creative challenge for those who love coding, logic, and problem solving.
- Sensing and Perception: Robots need to "see" and "feel" the world around them, which is where sensors come in. These include cameras, touch sensors, microphones, and even radar. The information gathered by these sensors allows the robot to perceive its environment, make decisions, and react in real-time. Whether it’s avoiding obstacles, recognizing faces, or detecting changes in temperature, sensing and perception are essential for creating responsive and autonomous robots.
Why Learning STEM Robotics Matters
STEM robotics education goes beyond just learning how robots work. It’s about giving students the tools to think critically, solve real-world problems, and collaborate with others. When kids build or program a robot, they’re not just learning abstract concepts; they’re applying knowledge from science, math, and technology in a way that’s hands-on and memorable.
Robotics also fosters essential skills for the future, including creativity, leadership, decision-making, and teamwork. As students tackle challenges in robotics, they learn how to break down complex problems, experiment with solutions, and persevere through trial and error. These are all key elements of what educators call "21st-century skills," which include not just technical abilities but also communication, adaptability, and initiative.
In a world where technology is increasingly important, giving children the opportunity to explore robotics sets them up for success – whether they pursue a career in engineering, software development, or any other field. Plus, the experience of working with robots is fun and engaging, making it a fantastic gateway to lifelong learning and curiosity.
Real-World Applications of STEM Robotics for Kids
STEM robotics isn't just a classroom activity—it’s a gateway to real-world careers that make an impact in everything from manufacturing to healthcare and even space exploration. Here’s a breakdown of some exciting roles within robotics and how they’re shaping the world around us.
- Robotics Engineer: These are the masterminds behind robot design, testing, and construction. They combine principles from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to build robots that solve real-world problems. Think about self-driving cars, automated factories, or even rescue robots that work in dangerous environments.
- Robotics Technician: The hands-on experts who bring robots to life and keep them running. Technicians handle everything from installing and testing robots to maintaining and repairing them. Without skilled technicians, high-tech robots in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and medical fields wouldn’t function as efficiently as they do.
- Robotics Software Engineer: Robots need brains too! Software engineers in robotics create the programs that control a robot’s movements, actions, and decisions. Whether it's enabling a drone to fly autonomously or programming robotic arms to perform precise surgeries, these engineers are writing the code that powers our future.
- Robotics Operator: Even in the age of automation, robots still require human guidance. Robotics operators ensure everything runs smoothly by monitoring and managing robotic systems. They’re essential in industries like agriculture, where automated harvesters or drones need consistent oversight to operate effectively.
Beyond these specific careers, robotics is playing a pivotal role in many industries, driving innovation and creating new opportunities. For instance, robots are now used in search-and-rescue missions, assisting in disaster recovery, and even in space exploration, where they help humans safely explore uncharted territories. Drones used in agriculture help farmers monitor crops, spot pests, and optimize water usage, leading to better yields. In healthcare, robots assist in elder care, rehabilitation, and even delivering supplies in hospitals. Here are some of the top companies that build or use robots today.
Engaging and Educational STEM Robotics Programs for Kids
STEM robotics is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s an opportunity for kids to build confidence, creativity, and resilience while exploring how technology shapes our world. STEM robotics programs for kids are designed to spark curiosity, build essential life skills, and encourage creative problem solving while providing hands-on fun. Kids dive into the exciting world of robotics by brainstorming, building, and programming their own creations using various robotics kits, from beginner-friendly models to advanced programmable systems and even virtual robots.
1. Create & Learn Robotics
Create & Learn's robotics classes for kids provide the unique opportunity to learn from experts in the comfort of your own home. Our live online robotics courses are designed by experts from MIT, Stanford, and more. And are taught by premier instructors who’ve undergone rigorous training. Our curriculum is designed to fuel creativity and make real-life connections across industries so your child can explore the latest technologies and have fun! Start with Junior Robotics or Robot Adventures. Your child might also enjoy creating Smart Devices.
2. Bricks4Kidz
Using LEGO® bricks and kid-friendly software, children learn to build and program robots while developing problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. This program’s structured, engaging lessons allow kids to explore real-world applications of robotics in a playful setting, making complex ideas approachable and enjoyable. Bricks4Kidz stands out because it combines imaginative play with foundational coding and engineering principles in a lively in-person setting, setting young learners up for future success in STEM fields.
3. Snapology Robotics
Snapology provides several interactive robotics classes and coding programs for children ages 3-14 using LEGO bricks. Students in their robotics programs learn pseudo-coding, coding, robotics and engineering principles. Using fun topics and themes, such as animals, games, space and battle machines, they offer classes that embrace children’s interest and curiosity to guide them through robotics and engineering principles.
STEM Robotics Toys
STEM robotics toys such as LEGO Boost, Sphero, and Ozobot help prepare children for future careers while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Whether they’re building a robot from scratch or programming a device to follow commands, these hands-on experiences make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable for kids of all ages.
1. LEGO Star Wars Boost Droid Commander
Kids will learn to code and develop creative problem-solving skills as they play with this interactive educational toy featuring 3 brick-built LEGO Star Wars droids and over 40 interactive missions and buildable props.
2. Sphero
An Educator's Pick for Best of STEM 2023, Sphero is an innovative robotics toy that turns coding into an adventure. With its round, durable design, Sphero robots can be programmed to move, light up, and even navigate obstacle courses, making it a versatile and engaging tool for kids. Through the Sphero Edu app, kids can learn to code using drag-and-drop blocks, JavaScript, or even draw their own paths. This flexibility allows children of all skill levels to explore robotics and programming at their own pace.
3. Ozobot
An EdTech Breakthrough Award 2023 winner, Ozobot is a fantastic introduction to robotics that brings coding to life in a fun and tangible way. These small, colorful robots can follow lines, detect colors, and even respond to simple codes drawn on paper, making them an excellent choice for hands-on learning. Kids can use markers to draw paths and control Ozobot's movements or program it using the Ozobot Bit or Evo apps. The real magic happens when children see their drawings come to life, watching Ozobot navigate mazes or perform tricks based on their coded instructionsapps for endless hours of fun.
STEM Robotics Competitions
STEM robotics competitions are exciting events where students get to showcase their creativity and technical skills by building and programming robots to tackle specific challenges. These competitions are more than just a chance to test out their robots; they’re designed to spark a love for STEM by providing a hands-on way to solve real-world problems. Whether working individually or as part of a team, kids learn to collaborate, think critically, and innovate as they design robots that can complete tasks or overcome obstacles.
1. VEX Robotics Competition
The VEX Robotics Competition, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is the largest and fastest growing middle school and high school robotics program globally with more than 20,000 teams from 50 countries playing in over 1,700 competitions worldwide. Each year, an exciting engineering challenge is presented in the form of a game. Students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, build innovative robots and compete year-round.
2. World Robot Olympiad
This is a robot competitions platform that is dedicated to Science,Technology and Education. The mission of WRO is to help young people to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills in an engaging and fun-filled manner. WRO is an independent non-profit organization. All the revenue collected will be invested in support of their mission called STEM education worldwide to support robotics.
3. Best Robotics Competition
Best Robotics is is a national six-week robotics competition that was designed to generate interest in possible engineering careers. This is a 2-3 day event open to middle or high schools. Same rules apply to everyone, the same kit is provided, and the same schedule.
Explore even more fun robotics competitions and STEM competitions.
Best STEM Robotics Kits
A STEM robotics kit is like a treasure chest for budding engineers and scientists, packed with everything kids need to explore the basics of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These kits are designed to bring robotics to life, allowing students to build and customize their own robots, especially those that can move and act on their own. Inside each kit, you’ll find a mix of structural pieces, mechanical components, motors, and sensors, all working together with a controller board to manage the robot’s actions.
1. Tin Can Edge Detector
The 4M Tin Can Edge Detector Science Kit: Part of the Eco-Engineering/Green Science Series Fun science project is an edge detecting robot. This robot kit allows kids to be creative on the cheap. This kit is great because it introduces the basics of robotics and renewable materials in a fun, hands-on way. Have fun while exploring the exciting worlds of robotics and green science with the 4M Green Science Tin Can Edge Detector Robot Kit. Assemble the robot using a recycled soda can for a body and turn it loose to roam around a table. Sensors in the robot's base detect the table and turn it aside every time.
2. Makeblock mBot Robot Kit
This robot is an entry-level coding robot for beginners. Designed for learning electronics, robotics and programming in a simple and fun way. From Scratch to Arduino, it helps kids to learn programming step by step via interactive software and rich tutorials.
3. ChampBot Kit
This kit invites kids to take their STEM education skills to the court by programming robots like ChampBot, BasketBot, and ScoreBot to shoot and score points – with precision. With three servo motors, two DC motors, and an IR sensor, this kit is designed to bring fans to the STEM field with competitive fun and learning.The JIMU Robot app connects with ChampBot Kit seamlessly and makes it easy to build, program, and bring to life every JIMU Robot kit creation. There’s also a Pose-Record-Play tool that lets students easily program motors to create their own actions. Flexible functionality lets students imagine and design their own models.
Start Your Child's STEM Robotics Learning Adventure
Now that you've learned all about STEM robotics, check our robotics for kids classes. The best place for your child to begin is our Junior Robotics class, with a curriculum designed by Google and Stanford experts. Up next, read more about robotics and coding.
Written by Create & Learn instructor Sharmain Henderson. Starting at an early age, Sharmain developed a passion for STEM, and currently holds a bachelor's degree in physics. She has been in the field of teaching for six years and has taught various subjects and students of all ages. Teaching effectively, and communicating complex information in a simple manner, is something she is passionate about.
