EDUCATIONAL ROBOTICS PROJECTS THAT PROMOTE INNOVATION AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT SKILLS

The course of the University Social Project (PSU) of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, provides spaces for undergraduate students of electronic engineering, in which they can articulate and implement the relationship between their profession and social challenges in the country. At PSU, students apply their disciplinary knowledge in training activities and technical advice, which contribute to the transformation of the context in which they carry out their social practice. In recent years, some students have had the opportunity to carry out projects where they must conceive, design, and implement a product that solves one of the problems of vulnerable communities. These projects have initially focused on generating new products or prototypes of educational robotics for students and teachers of low-income schools. Through the development of this project using the CDIO initiative, students can apply their existing knowledge in real-life problems or real-life situations. They also can learn about how to carry-out a user-centred design, how to apply an Iterative and incremental development methodology, and how to perform a rigorous user validation. This kind of project fosters the acquisition of skills such as innovation and social engagement skills. This paper shows the methodology used for the development of these educational robotics products and some examples of products developed by students. We also discuss how this type of project can promote innovation and social engagement skills. Finally, the new perspectives and lessons learned are detailed.