Educational robotics

Related papers: 20

About

Educational robotics is a field that uses robotic systems, kits, and programming platforms as hands-on learning tools to teach students concepts in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and beyond. Ranging from simple programmable toys for preschoolers to sophisticated mobile platforms like the e-puck for university engineering courses, educational robots give learners tangible, interactive experiences that bridge abstract concepts and real-world application. In practice, students design, build, and program robots to solve challenges, developing computational thinking, sequencing ability, problem-solving strategies, and systems understanding in the process. The approach draws on constructionist learning theory, where building and tinkering deepens conceptual understanding. Educational robotics is also used to foster 21st-century skills such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, and has shown promise for improving motivation and self-efficacy across diverse learner populations, including early childhood classrooms and underrepresented groups. Its significance lies in making abstract STEM disciplines concrete and engaging, preparing students for an increasingly automated world while simultaneously cultivating the foundational cognitive and social skills essential for lifelong learning.

Top Cited Papers

Exploring the educational potential of robotics in schools: A systematic review

Fabiane Barreto Vavassori Benitti

Citations: 1157 • 2011

Socially Assistive Robotics

David Feil-Seifer, Maja J. Matarić

Citations: 952 • 2005

Computational thinking and tinkering: Exploration of an early childhood robotics curriculum

Marina Umaschi Bers, Louise Flannery, Elizabeth R. Kazakoff, Amanda Sullivan

Citations: 933 • 2013

The e-puck, a Robot Designed for Education in Engineering

Francesco Mondada, Michaël Bonani, Xavier Raemy, James Pugh, Christopher M. Cianci, Adam Klaptocz, Stéphane Magnenat, Jean‐Christophe Zufferey, Dario Floreano, Alcherio Martinoli

Citations: 703 • 2009

Educational robotics: Open questions and new challenges

Dimitris Alimisis

Citations: 463 • 2013

Robotics in the early childhood classroom: learning outcomes from an 8-week robotics curriculum in pre-kindergarten through second grade

Amanda Sullivan, Marina Umaschi Bers

Citations: 444 • 2015

The Effect of a Classroom-Based Intensive Robotics and Programming Workshop on Sequencing Ability in Early Childhood

Elizabeth R. Kazakoff, Amanda Sullivan, Marina Umaschi Bers

Citations: 424 • 2012

A Systematic Review of Studies on Educational Robotics

Saira Anwar, Nicholas Alexander Bascou, Muhsin Menekşe, Asefeh Kardgar

Citations: 392 • 2019

Robotics as Means to Increase Achievement Scores in an Informal Learning Environment

Bradley Barker, John Ansorge

Citations: 356 • 2007

New Pathways into Robotics: Strategies for Broadening Participation

Natalie Rusk, Mitchel Resnick, Robbie Berg, Margaret Pezalla-Granlund

Citations: 336 • 2007

Coding as a playground: Promoting positive learning experiences in childhood classrooms

Marina Umaschi Bers, Carina Soledad González González, Ma Belén Armas–Torres

Citations: 329 • 2019

Robotics and science literacy: Thinking skills, science process skills and systems understanding

Florence R. Sullivan

Citations: 278 • 2008

Systematic Review of Research Trends in Robotics Education for Young Children

Sung Eun Jung, Eun-Sok Won

Citations: 275 • 2018

Effect of Robotics on Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Self-Efficacy, Science Learning, and Computational Thinking

Kamini Jaipal-Jamani, Charoula Angeli

Citations: 266 • 2016

Using Robotics and Game Design to Enhance Children’s Self-Efficacy, STEM Attitudes, and Computational Thinking Skills

Jacqueline Leonard, Alan Buss, Ruben Gamboa, Monica Mitchell, Olatokunbo S. Fashola, Tarcia Hubert, Sultan M. Almughyirah

Citations: 263 • 2016

Dancing robots: integrating art, music, and robotics in Singapore’s early childhood centers

Amanda Sullivan, Marina Umaschi Bers

Citations: 263 • 2017

Robotics and computational thinking in primary school

Christina Chalmers

Citations: 257 • 2018

RoboCupJunior for promoting STEM education, 21st century skills, and technological advancement through robotics competition

Amy Eguchi

Citations: 236 • 2015

The TangibleK Robotics Program: Applied Computational Thinking for Young Children.

Marina Umaschi Bers

Citations: 227 • 2010

Hands-on experiences of undergraduate students in Automatics and Robotics using a virtual and remote laboratory

Carlos A. Jara, Francisco A. Candelas-Herías, Santiago Timoteo Puente Méndez, Fernando Torres

Citations: 223 • 2011