The United States is faced with a growing number of jobs that require a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education background, and there are a limited number of candidates to fill these positions. According to a recent study, only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career.
Over the next five years, STEM education will have an even bigger impact on the knowledge structure for innovation, spurring the next generation of innovators. As STEM courses become core curriculum, robots will serve as the central force.
DFRobot is one of the companies helping lead this change with robot toys that get children and teenagers interested in coding and robotics.
The company this week introduced its Antbo DIY robot designed to teach children and teenagers the basic principles of robotics. Antbo has 30 neurons for self-learning and “bionic” capabilities to analyze and understand its surroundings.
DFRobot in 2015 released Vortex, an open-source robot that comes pre-loaded with a number of games. But the hope is kids will want to learn how to make Vortex do more with custom programming via the company’s WhenDo app.
Ricky Ye, CEO of DFRobot, joined The Robotics Trends Show to discuss the growing role of robotics in STEM education and the new Antbo robot. Ye also discussed the inspiration for Antbo’s insect look and whether Antbo and Vortex will be able to interact with each other.
