From Competition to Classroom: A Hands-on Approach to Robotics Learning
Maria Santos Rogick Lopes, Jorge Diogo Ribeiro, António Paulo Moreira, Cláudia Rocha, João G. Martins, José Sarmento, José Pedro Carvalho, Paulo Costa, Ricardo B. Sousa · 2025
Robotics education plays a crucial role in developing STEM skills. However, university-level courses often emphasize theoretical learning, which can lead to decreased student engagement and motivation. In this paper, we tackle the challenge of providing hands-on robotics experience in higher education by adapting a mobile robot originally designed for competitions to be used in laboratory classes. Our approach integrates real-world robot operation into coursework, bridging the gap between simulation and physical implementation while maintaining accessibility. The robot's software is developed using ROS, and its effectiveness is assessed through student surveys. The results indicate that the platform increases student engagement and interest in robotics topics. Furthermore, feedback from teachers is also collected and confirmed that the platform boosts students' confidence and understanding of robotics.