Robots in the classroom: tools for accessible education

Abstract

In this paper we describe some of the current and envisaged uses of this broad collection of technologies referred to as robots, within education. This is firstly from the general perspective but then with an emphasis on the benefits they bring to school and university students with disabilities. Introduction Robots have found widespread application in industry and are beginning to increasingly find applications in diverse roles within education. There are many definitions of what constitutes a robot and numerous designs, configurations and types reflecting their broad range of applications. The authors here take a free definition and within the scope of this paper we consider: manipulators; robot vehicles; automated and remote controlled devices; and robots that might exist only in software. Possible roles for robots in education With robots and related automated process having increasing role in industry they are becoming an object for study in their own right in technology and e...