Low cost neuro-inspired robots for sustainable laboratory education

Abstract

Today's technological innovations accelerate the persistence of robots for humanitarian purposes. As a significant component, the emerging role of robotics and educational technologies has been growing instantly. Several attempts have been introduced in the education sector to promote robotics education, but successful implementation of learning platforms still pose challenges. This paper highlights deployment studies based on a low cost bio-inspired robotics laboratory. The experiments were developed as part of a National Mission on Education through ICT, and provided free access to users all over the world. The present study seeks to examine the role of low cost remotely controlled neuro-inspired robotics labs as an educational tool. Our goal was to analyze the diffusion of remotely controlled robotics labs as a new pedagogy for augmenting laboratory education, by enhancing skill training among students, aiding as a teaching element and promoting distant education thereby bringing a sustainable development in robotics based education. Feedback data was collected from 100 science and engineering students, 50 university professors and 100 online users from distant locations to analyze remote robotics labs as an adaptable tool in education. The study suggested perceived usefulness of low cost robotics platform as a supplementary learning and teaching tool for enhancing robotics education. The study also promotes the perceived usage of robotics for vocational skills and as a technology education platform for learners.