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About

Joshua Hooker is an educator and researcher dedicated to advancing industrial robotics education to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce. His work sits at the intersection of robotics, automation, and STEM pedagogy, with a particular focus on developing curriculum frameworks, simulation software tools, and advanced robotic workcell systems that prepare students for careers in an increasingly automated economy. Hooker's most influential contribution, "Promoting Industrial Robotics Education by Curriculum, Robotic Simulation Software, and Advanced Robotic Workcell Development and Implementation" (2017, 15 citations), underscores the urgent need for skilled technicians as robotics and automation continue to reshape U.S. industry. He has further expanded this mission by championing open-source software solutions to make robotics education more accessible and scalable, as demonstrated in his 2018 work. His ongoing research, reflected in his 2024 progress report on revamping robotics education for 21st-century workforce needs, highlights his long-term commitment to interdisciplinary STEM learning and industry-aligned skill development. Through curriculum innovation and practical, hands-on learning environments, Hooker is helping to close the skills gap in advanced manufacturing—positioning the next generation of technicians for success in a robot-driven economy.