Autodesk Release New Robotics Curriculum to Inspire Technology Leaders of Tomorrow

To spur greater interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in schools across the globe, Innovation First, Inc. (IFI), a leader in educational and competitive robotics products, and Autodesk, the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets, have released a new curriculum that is now included in the popular VEX Robotics Design System Classroom Lab Kits.

Based on Autodesk Inventor software, the curriculum is designed to encourage students and educators to explore the exciting world of robotics by bringing real-world experience and hands-on learning to STEM teaching and lessons. Autodesk Inventor software is used by professional robotics engineers throughout the world.

“I’m so excited about this new curriculum,”said Michael Martus, Career and Technical Education teacher at Pontiac Central High School in Pontiac, Michigan. “It is so important to keep students challenged and focused on STEM standards in a fun and engaging way. The students have a blast building VEX robots and learning digital prototyping skills with Autodesk Inventor, while I get to watch them have a great time learning STEM skills that will carry them well beyond high school.”

The VEX Robotics system is currently used in over 2,000 classrooms and gives young people a fun, new way to learn about STEM subjects. By working together to create robots that perform exciting challenges, students also gain valuable problem-solving and team-building skills. The customized Classroom Lab packages were developed based on feedback from teachers, schools and districts throughout the country that have integrated hands-on robotics programs into their classrooms.

Autodesk and IFI have more than 50 years of combined experience in robotics education programs and competitions. The new curriculum was incorporated into the VEX Classroom Lab Kit and provides a custom solution for robotics education that is flexible enough to be applied at multiple grade levels, including secondary and post-secondary. Designed to comply with STEM education standards, the curriculum contains a set of 17 units, each containing its own lesson, concept and activity. These units bring together the value of VEX Robotics designs and Digital Prototyping, a practice that enables students to design and refine their robots before actually building them.

“The initial response since the announcement of this new curriculum has been wonderful,”said Jason Morrella, senior director of education and competition at Innovation First. “We’re excited to deliver powerful educational tools like the VEX Robotics Design System and Autodesk Inventor software for the technology leaders of tomorrow so they are best prepared for many of the incredible opportunities and careers that are waiting for them.”

“Robotics is an integrated and exciting way to teach and learn STEM – plus it’s fun,” said Paul Mailhot, senior director of worldwide education programs for Autodesk. “It is unique in this respect, and educational robotics is having a significant positive impact in STEM around the world. Autodesk has learned a lot from its more than 15 years of support for robotics programs. We think this new curriculum combining the VEX Classroom Lab Kit and Autodesk Inventor software will be accessible and relevant in a huge number of classrooms, inspiring and preparing many students to embrace STEM subjects and consider future education and careers in engineering and related design professions.”

All VEX Classroom Lab Kits are based on the popular VEX Robotics Design System, which can be used to create both autonomous and radio-controlled robotic devices and offer a fun, imaginative way for middle- and high-school students to develop crucial STEM aptitudes. Educators, coaches, and mentors all over the world teach students how to design and build robots using the design system and other VEX accessories.

VEX Classroom Lab Kits make it easy for schools to order by combining a VEX robot kit with all the basic accessories and batteries needed — with the added benefit of a bulk discount. The Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum is included at no additional charge with the purchase of the Classroom Lab Kit. As an individual item, the semester curriculum is available for US$199. Autodesk also includes one full license of Autodesk Inventor software with the Classroom Lab Four Robot Bundle Package. Two full Autodesk Inventor licenses are included in the Classroom Lab Eight Robot Bundle Package.