Living in a digital age of rapid technological advancement has drastically increased the need for experts in the field of science, engineering and technology. Learning about robotics at an early age gives children the confidence and skills needed to excel in an ever-evolving world.
Unsure about exactly what robotics means? Robotics is the designing, engineering and management of robotic technology. Robotic technology involves mechanically working parts with the goal of accomplishing a task. Picture the claw game at the arcade and how putting a coin into the machine activates the claw, after which you maneuver the claw into position with a joystick, and finally, it reaches for a chosen object at the push of a button. All this is accomplished through robotics.
While the concept of robotics conjures images of C3P0 and R2D2 style animatronics, robotics is about far more than droids alone. Everything from the automated teller you use at the bank to the automatic carwash down the street uses robotics to operate. So, why is it so important that the younger generations learn about robotics? Here are some prime examples.
The Future is Automated
Your local grocery store may still employ checkout clerks to ring through your purchases but recent reports suggest that in the next decade and a half, more than 40% of manual jobs will be replaced through automation. That’s a huge chunk of the employment pool being run by machines. This isn’t necessarily a cause for panic, however. While the manual task of ringing through groceries will be obsolete, new jobs are becoming available.
Automation doesn’t happen on its own. It takes a myriad of people in a variety of fields to create the technology which supports these machines. This produces jobs like:
- Research and development
- Physical engineering
- Computer programming
- Maintenance and repair
- Software development
The list only goes on from there. In fact, already mobile apps for grocery shopping are making headway, creating the need for app development and maintenance. If science and engineering are the golden skills of the future, having early access to robotics education is an asset for any child.
There’s a Calling for Tech Educated Professionals
While the technology fields continue to expand, graduates from science and engineering programs do not. This is a big problem in countries like the United States where nearly 2-million undergraduate degrees are awarded annually, less than 20% of which are in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degrees. Whether less high school graduates are interested in the sciences, or the programs are too difficult, it’s putting the American economy at risk when so many jobs go unfilled.
Learning robotics offers children a glimpse into the world of STEM education. They learn about special reasoning, electric circuitry, computer programming, engineering and more. Whether they choose to pursue a career in robotics later isn’t as important as knowing they have the skills and information to make that choice when the time comes.
Learning Robotics Removes the Mystery from Tech
Unless you’ve been exposed to science and technology before, it can be daunting. Exposing children to skills like math and engineering increases self-confidence and reduces the fear of attempting STEM-based projects later in life. Children who work with robotics encounter elements of science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and interactive way. Without the fear of the unknown, more high school students might go on to explore technology in university.
Robotics teaches the foundation required for more advanced technology careers. Not only does it offer insight into the world of mechanics, but also creates the opportunity to develop new hobbies and interests.
Robotics is a Fun Way to Introduce Programming
Students who learn robotics inadvertently learn to code. Rather than viewing the activity as an educational experience alone, most children find robotics fun. Learning for fun rather than out of obligation produces positive results and an improved rate of self-esteem. It helps students relax, make friends, and create memories.
With programming being one of the most sought-after strengths in modern tech-based industries, learning young ensures that your little one brings relevant skills into the job market. Unlike some other STEM opportunities, robotics combines theoretical and practical expertise into a variety of activities.
Finding Robotics Courses Close to Home
For kids in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, iCodeSchool offers courses in robotics. Our goal is to increase awareness of STEAM learning and help future innovators reach their full potential.
For more information on extracurricular robotics courses and iCodeSchools list of boot camps and summer camps and afterschool programs contact us today.