Title:
Recent Advances in Educational Robotics
Author:
Savvas A. Chatzichristofis
Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Neapolis University Pafos, Pafos 8042, Cyprus
Published:
Electronics, Volume 12, Issue 4, 12 February 2023
Abstract:
The widespread use of artificial intelligence and robotics contributes, among other things, to create a new scientific field that aims to modernize and disrupt education. The term ’educational robotics’ is being introduced as a learning tool and definitively transforming young people’s education. At the same time, however, it is helping to create a fast-growing new industry that produces educational robots and tools. Companies with a long tradition, either in the creation of robotic equipment or in the production and distribution of toys, are setting up appropriate divisions and supplying the market with electronic devices for educational robotics. This new market is overgrowing and is rapidly becoming an investment attraction. According to MarketsandMarkets research, the educational robotics market is projected to grow from USD 1.3 billion in 2021 to USD 2.6 billion by 2026. Notably, the educational robotics market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.1% from 2021 to 2026. At the same time, however, the field is attracting many startups securing independent funding for equipment design and implementation and independent efforts competing for funding from crowdfunding platforms. More than 2000 ideas have recently secured funding to build and distribute educational robotics tools through Kickstarter-type platforms. However, what is educational robotics, and how is it expected to transform how the next generation is educated?