This document, Education in the AI Era: A Long-Term Classroom Technology Based on Intelligent Robotics, examines the integration of AI literacy into education and introduces the Robobo Project, a robotics-based educational tool. The increasing societal impact of AI has highlighted the need to train teachers and students on foundational AI concepts, including perception, reasoning, and ethical considerations.
The Robobo Project addresses this need by providing a mobile robotic platform that integrates a smartphone, equipped with sensors, actuators, and programming tools such as Scratch and Python. This platform supports the exploration of AI topics such as sensing, machine learning, and collective AI.
To facilitate learning, the project offers teaching units and extensive documentation tailored to formal education from K12 to higher education. These resources align with AI literacy objectives and employ project-based learning methodologies. Over six years, the Robobo platform has been validated in diverse educational settings across Europe, demonstrating its effectiveness in teaching AI concepts.
Students appreciated its real-world applications and adaptability, while teachers found it a practical tool for fostering 21st-century skills like critical thinking and creativity. The Robobo Project exemplifies how robotics can effectively teach AI concepts, bridging theoretical learning with practical applications across all education levels.
