Robotics Education for All: WRO Promotes STEM Learning and Gender Equality in Mexico

In its 13th edition, the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) aims to democratize robotics and promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) education among children. The WRO national organizer, Jorge Hernández Huerta, emphasized the importance of providing children with experiences in various fields to lay the foundation for their future career choices.

The WRO is pivotal in promoting learning opportunities in robotics and STEAM education among young people. Over the past 12 years, Mexico has made significant strides in introducing children as young as five years old to these disciplines. The WRO boasts over 95 affiliated countries and a community of more than 75,000 students globally.

The tournament offers various categories for teams of children and young people aged 8 to 19 to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges using STEAM and robotics. This year’s theme is “Allies of the Earth,” and teams of 2 or 3 participants, guided by a coach, will design, build, and program a robot model capable of completing challenges aligned with the competition’s theme.

Registration information, rules, and details can be found on the WRO website. The tournament will have qualifying rounds between May and July, culminating in the national final in September and the international final in Turkey in November. Encouraging participation from girls and young people is crucial to address existing gender disparities in these disciplines.

Hernández Huerta highlighted that providing equal opportunities for girls and young people is essential to ensure that they are not left behind in this rapidly evolving field. He stressed that nurturing talent from childhood through appropriate spaces and tools is critical to empowering young people early on.

Mexico’s mission aligns perfectly with the WRO’s objectives of introducing children to robotics and other technology-related fields from a young age. By participating in this competition, children can gain valuable experience that will set them on a path towards a rewarding career in STEM fields.

In conclusion, the WRO aims to democratize robotics education by encouraging participation from all individuals regardless of gender or background. With its focus on STEAM education and real-world challenges using robots, it presents an excellent opportunity for children around the world to showcase their talents while learning valuable skills that will serve them well into adulthood.