Making STEM More Inclusive Through Playful Robotics

The research will develop and evaluate activities using accessible robotics toolkits, including the Soma Skins toolkit, which allows children to experiment with physical interaction, robotics and wearable technologies. The aim is to develop and test approaches that let children learn through making, experimenting, play and collaboration, rather than relying solely on conventional classroom instruction. A second, closely connected strand of the project will look at the safety of soft robotic wearable devices when used by children. Existing safety guidance for wearable robotics does not adequately address children's specific needs, so the research will explore how safe operating limits for these technologies can be understood and assessed, supporting the responsible development of future educational robotics kits.

The project will produce evidence and practical guidance on using robotics to support more inclusive STEM education, alongside recommendations for the safe use of wearable soft robotics with secondary school children. It aims to benefit local secondary schools, community organisations and young people by offering alternative, engaging routes into STEM learning, particularly for young people for whom conventional approaches do not work.

This project has been co-created with and is supported by researchers from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, and partners at Makers of Imaginary Worlds. The successful candidate for this project will be enrolled at the University of Nottingham.

Project Aims and Objectives

The project objectives are:

1. Co-design and evaluate robotics-based learning activities with small groups (e.g. 5-10 participants) of secondary school children and community partners, using the Soma Skins toolkit to identify approaches that promote engagement, confidence and STEM skills during three workshops. Questionnaires together with video and audio recording will be used to gather feedback.

2. Investigate the safety requirements of soft robotic wearable devices for children, identifying safe operating limits and gaps in existing robotics safety standards and, using the sensors available in the Soma Skins toolkit, implement safe interactions to be tested with secondary school children during all workshops.

3. Evaluate the identified set of safe and effective activities on a last workshop with 30 participants. The results will be described in peer-reviewed journal papers and practical guidance for educators and community organisations on the inclusive and safe use of robotics and wearable technologies in STEM learning.

What is Collaboratory?

Collaboratory is a research programme, led by Universities for Nottingham and the Leicester Universities Partnership, that places community knowledge and experience at the heart of research. This eight-year initiative is pioneering a new approach to collaboration, working closely with local communities and community-focused organisations to develop and deliver research that addresses the needs and priorities of local communities.