Revamping Robotics Education to Meet 21st Century Workforce Needs- Years 1-2 Progress Reports

Abstract

The interdisciplinary nature of robots makes robotics a valuable STEM pedagogical tool. Robots are increasingly used across industry sectors to improve production throughputs while maintaining product quality. The benefits of robotics, however, depend on workers with up-todate knowledge and skills to maintain and use existing robots, enhance future technologies, and educate users. It is critical that education institutions respond to the demand for robotics specialists by offering courses and professional certification in robotics and automation. This NSF sponsored project introduces a new approach for Industrial Robotics in electrical engineering technology (EET) programs at Michigan Tech and bay de Noc Community College. The curriculum and software developed by this collaboration of two-and four-year institutions match industry needs and provide a replicable model for programs around the US. The project also addresses the need for certified robotic training centers (CRTCs) and provides curriculum and training opportunities for students from other institutions, industry representatives, and displaced workers. In this article, authors report on Year 2 project progress, including the achievements in the developing "RobotRun" robotic simulation software, professional development opportunities for the faculty members from the other institutions, training workshops for K-12 teachers, and robotic one-day camps for high school students.