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About

Manuel Castro is a prominent education technology researcher whose work sits at the intersection of robotics, STEM pedagogy, and accessible learning tools. His research focuses on developing innovative, low-cost educational frameworks that introduce students of all ages to robotics, programming, and computational thinking. Castro has made significant contributions to the field by championing open-source platforms such as Arduino and Scratch as practical, scalable tools for STEM education, demonstrating how affordable hardware and visual programming environments can transform traditional classroom experiences. Among his most influential works, his 2016 paper on collaborative robotic educational tools using programmable logic and Arduino has garnered 55 citations, while subsequent studies on Arduino-based robotics instruction and home-made robotic education have further cemented his reputation as a leading voice in educational robotics. His research consistently emphasizes inclusion, accessibility, and student engagement, notably exploring how robotics can support the integration of diverse learners. Castro has also connected his work to broader European initiatives, including the European Robotics Week, amplifying his impact beyond the classroom. With over 330 cumulative citations across his top papers, his contributions have meaningfully shaped how educators worldwide approach STEM instruction through hands-on, technology-driven methodologies.