Survey reveals teachers’ competencies in robotics education
ROBINTECH project partners conducted a competence audit to get valuable insights into the skills and expertise of educators teaching industrial robotics and automation. The survey was carried out in all project partner schools and it focused on teachers’ professional experience, their instructional methods, and areas of specialization.
Strong professional backgrounds
The survey results highlight the strong qualifications of the teachers, with most reporting substantial experience in the field. Their backgrounds demonstrate a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of industrial technology. Notably, several educators cited expertise in pneumatics, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming, machine vision systems, and advanced robotics, particularly involving brands such as ABB and Mitsubishi.
Participants were asked to rate their competencies on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating the highest level of proficiency. The majority averaged above 4 across key categories, including curriculum development, digital competencies, and the creation of adaptive teaching materials. These scores reflect a well-prepared teaching cohort capable of addressing the evolving demands of robotics education.
The survey also revealed a strong commitment to collaborative learning. Many educators expressed a willingness to share their expertise in areas such as robot programming, project-based learning, and the integration of innovative technologies into existing curricula. This spirit of cooperation is seen as a key asset within the ROBINTECH project.
Teachers reported employing a range of instructional strategies, including project-based learning and master classes, which encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on experiences. These diverse approaches contribute to a dynamic and engaging learning environment, aligned with the practical needs of modern engineering education.
A foundation for future steps
The findings of this audit not only affirm the competencies of participating educators but also underscore the collaborative potential of the ROBINTECH initiative. The project will organise three workshops for teachers to share skills and knowledge and strengthen cooperation with businesses. Focusing on teacher competences is essential to equip the next generation of engineers and technologists with the skills required by an increasingly automated and digitised world.
A first workshop has already taken place in Delft, the Netherlands, where, among other things, the teaching of robotics and automation at ROC Mondriaan was presented and the structure of new teaching materials was developed.
As the technology is evolving rapidly, project partners will also involve industries. Strong collaboration of companies will ensure teachers up-to-date knowledge and teaching compliance with current industry requirements and technological innovations.