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Every two years aspiring individuals from ASEAN Member States convene to exhibit their skills during the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition. Studica was thrilled to be in Singapore this July as a Gold Sponsor for the WorldSkills ASEAN 2023 competition. Teams came from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

WorldSkills ASEAN Mobile Robotics

There were 10 competitors in 5 teams for the Mobile Robotics event. The Gold Medal winners for Mobile Robotics were Aquila Ng Li En and Terrance Yoong Teck Loong from Nanyang Polytechnic. The challenge for the competitors was to demonstrate the necessary expertise in the assembly and incorporation of mechanical elements and electrical components (like sensors). The WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics collection, exclusively available at Studica Robotics was required for this event. Each team received one new kit and had to build a robot on day 1 of the competition. Some teams completed their robots in just 3 hours and began to test them on the courts. On days 2 and 3, this is when everyone put their robots to the test to complete the task of an autonomous mobile robot working in a hospital setting moving medicine from room to room, as well as moving gurneys where required. The competitors demonstrated how a robot they built can work in a hospital, autonomously, to look after tasks that are menial or hazardous.

About Studica Robotics

Studica Robotics offers an innovative building platform encompassing robot parts, kits, and advanced electronics suitable for educational settings, robotics competitions, and prototyping. With a focus on quality and safety, their durable structure components seamlessly connect to motion elements, requiring no specialized equipment. From controllers to depth cameras, LiDAR, and sensors, Studica Robotics provides a comprehensive range of electronics to enhance robotic capabilities. Their versatile VMX Robotics Controller, programmable in various languages, is well-suited for intricate projects and autonomous robots. As a Global Partner and exclusive supplier for the WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics Competition, Studica Robotics is committed to delivering innovation and excellence, empowering individuals to explore their building potential. Studica Robotics is used in over 40 countries around the world. View Usage Map.

Why Teach Mobile Robotics?

Let's start off with one of the most obvious reasons - students love it! The engaging and hands-on experience of building a robot easily lends itself to STEM learning. By solving complex problems, designing, and fixing robots,  students also build confidence and a wide-ranging resume of skills that prepare them for successful futures. Working through the process of building a robot to complete a task nurtures a true understanding of the real-world applications of technology. This is exhilarating! Imagine having fun and, at the same time, building a wide variety of skills. This is a definite win-win scenario! Teaching mobile robotics can build a variety of crucial skills for success. Before we get technical, let's discuss the crucial soft skills involved. These skills include collaboration, communication, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.  While building an understanding of robotics, students are also developing and strengthening their skills in reading, comprehension, mathematics, and programming. They learn how to think both critically and computationally.  This is also an impactful method for introducing developing technology, mechanical and electronic development, sensor, and drive technology. Through the process, your students will develop analytical reasoning skills and technical expertise. About Studica Robotics

Ladies and gentlemen, there is only one month until registration opens for the upcoming WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Mobile Robotics Competition. The competition will be held in Lyon, France in September of 2024. This is an amazing opportunity for students to compete on a global level and build key skills. This article will give you a sneak peek into what the task for this competition will be, explore how robots are increasingly used in the agriculture industry, and provide information on how you can participate.

Sneak Peek: WorldSkills Competition Project

For the Lyon 2024 competition, the focus will be on the use of mobile robotics in agriculture. France is known as one of the top wine producers in the world, so it makes sense that the theme for this competition will be surrounding an autonomous mobile robot that will assist with the workload at a French grape farm.

The applications of mobile robotics for farming are very interesting. We hope this hint of information inspires you to start brainstorming about the usage of robots to enhance farming and what you can do for the competition until the official Test Project is released in a few months.

Agriculture and Robots

Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) can be of great benefit to agriculture. Fruit and vegetable farms face a variety of challenges. Robots can be used to increase productivity and profitability. Consider some of the repetitive menial tasks that are very demanding for human workers, robots can perform many of these tasks quickly and accurately. This reduces the time needed to complete key jobs and helps reduce labor costs. Workers can then focus more attention on the elements that require a human touch. Robots can be used to plant seeds, harvest, and package produce.

Data monitoring is another essential task robots can be beneficial for. Sensors can be used to gather important data. They can measure temperature, PH levels in the soil, and other key factors. This data can be used to inform the decision-making process on a variety of topics including water management, crop nutrition & fertilization, pest management, seed & planting materials, and other crop management strategies. Robots can assist in revolutionizing the farming industry.

Gearing Up for WorldSkills Mobile Robotics

All teams that register to compete in the upcoming Lyon 2024 Mobile Robotics Competition will be supplied with the official competition kit at no charge. Studica is the exclusive official supplier of the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Mobile Robotics Collection. Our Studica Robotics team carefully monitors each competition. We take note of how our products are performing and look for ways to improve. We also identify any new robot parts and technologies that can benefit teams. Our goal is to evolve year after year so competitors have the best possible materials to build with.

This year, we have some exciting new additions to the collection:

1. For improved distance measurements, we have added the 360 Degree LiDAR.
2. To improve vision capabilities, we have added the 3D Depth Camera
3. To easily navigate over uneven or rough surfaces, we have added All-Terrain Tires.

How to Participate in this WorldSkills Event:

1. Determine if your country is a WorldSkills member country. There are currently 85 countries that participate. Only WorldSkills member countries can compete.
2. To join the competition your school/team will register with your local WorldSkills organization. Find their contact information here. So if you are a student who is interested, contact your teacher. Teachers reach out to your WorldSkills delegate to register.
3. Delegates be sure to register your teams ASAP. Mark your calendars - registration opens June 10th, 2023.

Robots continue to be utilized more often in our daily lives. Therefore, robotics education continues to gain importance. At Studica, our primary focus is mobile robotics. Mobile robots are simply robots that are capable of motion. You may have heard them called AMR (autonomous mobile robots), autonomous intelligent robots, or intelligent robots. They rely on motors, sensors, and controllers. These robots typically have legs, tracks, or wheels to make locomotion possible. We know that mobile robotics is a great fit for education. Students are excited and motivated by hands-on learning. Students learn about programming, robotics, and develop an understanding of what technology is capable of in the real world. Developing other crucial skills is part of the process. From computational thinking, problem-solving, to collaboration and teamwork - robotics education is a powerful approach to STEM learning. To remain competitive in a world of ever-changing technology and evolve world technology, we need competent workers who possess the competency to do so. This is why Studica is so enthusiastic about expanding mobile robotics education. As a Global Partner and the official exclusive product supplier of the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Mobile Robotics Competition, we are able to constantly observe the needs of competitors and evolving the Studica Robotics Building System to best serve this market.

Tools for Robotics Education

Teaching robotics is an excellent addition to STEM curriculum for physics, math, and computer science. With the VMX Robotics Controller, you can teach students how to program in a variety of different languages including C++, ROS, and Python. You will find everything you need to get your students building their own robot with Studica Robotics. Our building system is dependable and affordable. We offer everything your students need to Build Better Robots®. Motion components, structure components, hardware, electronics, robot parts, and a variety of robotics kits are available. Our components work easily together so you do not need to be concerned with needing a machine shop or other special equipment. In fact, our hole pattern is compatible with most existing FTC and FRC build systems giving you the opportunity to combine electronics and structure.

Getting Started

If you are just beginning to teach robotics, Studica offers a variety of options. Our FTC Starter Kit includes over 1,250 parts and contains a large array of building elements that enables teams to create a functional robot year after year. Our Classroom Robotics Kit includes our powerful VMX Robotics Controller and Titan Quad Motor Controller. You will also get a variety of structure and motion components, servos, high-resolution encoders, a charger, battery pack, tools, training materials, 3D CAD files and a storage bin. If you are interested in bringing Studica Robotics to your school, please contact Studica today.            

Graphic for Banner: © virtosmedia, 123RF Free Images

Leveraging robotics in education is a powerful tool for teaching STE(A)M concepts and preparing students with invaluable skills. Mobile robotics is increasingly important in the world we live in. In this article, we talk briefly about mobile robots and their importance for education. We will also share some solutions and resources you can use to bring robotics to your classroom.

To begin, a simple definition of a mobile robot is "an automatic machine capable of locomotion"*. Mobile robots can be autonomous or guided, but they differentiate themselves with their ability to move in comparison to other robots that are predominantly stationary, like those used in industrial settings. Intelligent robots, autonomous intelligent robots, and AMR (autonomous mobile robots) are other terms that refer to mobile robots. These robots rely on sensors, motors, and controllers. To make movement possible they typically have wheels, tracks, or legs.

Benefits of Mobile Robotics in Education

One huge advantage of teaching mobile robotics is simply that students love it. This hands-on approach to STEM learning is engaging and provides an understanding of the real-world applications of technology. Students build confidence and knowledge by solving complex problems, creating and fixing robots, working as a team, and using computers and tools. The skills they develop prepare them for successful futures. These students develop an understanding of robotics and programming. Other crucial skills they build include teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, technical expertise, computational thinking, and analytical reasoning. All these key skills will serve them well in the job market.

If world technology is to evolve, we need people who possess the skills to do so. It is a way to stay competitive in a world of ever-advancing technology. This is crucial not only for students but also for the grander world industry and economy. A workforce that is adaptable and skilled is needed to meet the needs of rapidly advancing technology. This massively growing area impacts a variety of industries. Yes, you would expect the manufacturing industry to use mobile robots, but did you know they are heavily in healthcare aerospace, mining, security, distribution, space & ocean exploration, and agriculture? Mobile robotics can provide increased safety, improve efficiencies, create cost savings, and improve quality control. All invaluable things for a competitive workforce and strong economic growth.

Robot Solutions for the Classroom

Using the Studica platform, you can make a more professional, intelligent, and adaptable robot. Studica Robotics is a complete building system that provides structural, electrical, and motion components. Perfect for teaching robotics and programming, this powerful building system can also be used for research and teaching autonomous mobile robotics (AMR), self-driving technology, and automation. Choose only the robot parts you need or select a robotics kit (such as the popular Classroom Robotics Kit) that includes our most popular selection of parts.

Classroom Robotics Kit

This Classroom Robotics Kit includes a variety of parts that your students can use to create a robot. This kit is ideal for preparing for competitions and teaching coding and robotics concepts. This classroom robotics set includes a variety of parts that your students can use to create a robot. These robots can be used for competitions like the FIRST Tech Challenge. If your team aspires to take part in FTC but hasn't started yet, this is an excellent solution for getting up to speed and practicing.

Studica Robotics Supports Education Studica Robotics gives you everything you need to design, simulate, and build robots including training materials, software libraries, and sample robot designs. 3D CAD files of all our robot parts which can be used with any 3D design software are available. Technical support and online training sessions can be made available. A Global Partner for the WorldSkills Mobile Robotics Competition, Studica Robotics has a reputation for technical expertise. As an innovator, Studica Robotics is committed to supporting the needs of the education and robotics competition communities. We are always looking to improve and expand our offerings. We can help you build your own custom kits, teach robotics, and prepare for competitions. Please feel free to contact Studica if we can provide assistance.

The Classroom Robotics Kit from Studica Robotics is now available! This kit is ideal for use in the classroom and for robotics teams learning and preparing for robot competitions like FTC, FRC, WorldSkills, WRO, and RoboCup. The Studica Robotics platform is complete, affordable, and very compatible with other existing building systems. The VMX Robotics Controller allows you to program in C++, Java, Python, and ROS; making it a great teaching tool for coding and allowing students to prepare for competitions. This comprehensive building system offers a wide variety of hardware, electronics, motion, and structural components. There is also very little need for a machine shop because the structural components are all designed to work easily together.

Classroom Robotics Kit

This classroom robotics set includes a variety of parts that your students can use to create a robot. These robots can be used for competitions like the FIRST Tech Challenge. If your team aspires to take part in FTC but hasn't started yet, this is an excellent solution for getting up to speed and practicing. What will you find in this kit?

• VMX Robotics Controller - This controller can be programmed in C++, Java, Python, and ROS. It can be used as a Robot Control System or Vision/Motion processor that supports C++ and Java. It integrates Gigabit Ethernet, USB3 prots, navX-IMU, and built-in Wifi and Bluetooth. It offers a multi-core Linux computing platform that offers lots of USB IO for expansion. It also has a CAN bus for high-speed, real-time communication between devices.
• Titan Quad Motor Controller - This is a powerful, 4-channel CAN-based motor controller that includes a built-in fuse box (can be used for DC motors up to 20A).
• Structure Components - This kit includes a variety of U-Channel and Low Profile U-Channel components. You'll find a variety of beams, flats, and brackets.
• Motion Components - Including pulleys, servos, wheels, slides, bushings, rack and pinion set, and bearings.
• You'll also get a storage bin, an assortment of screws and nuts, tools, a 12V 3000 mAh NiMH battery pack, and a charger.
• View the complete list of all components.

The video below gives some inspiration for what you can build using this kit and some customizations.

Get Started with Studica Robotics

It's time to Build Better Robots® - shop Studica Robotics for robot parts, robotics kits, structure components, motion components, electronics, and hardware. Studica offers a procurement program that allows you to create your own custom robotics kits. A Global Partner for the WorldSkills Mobile Robotics Competition with a reputation for technical expertise, Studica Robotics is an innovator committed to supporting the needs of the education and robotics competition communities. If you need assistance, please contact us - we will be happy to help.

Studica Limited is now a reseller for LEGO® Education and will offer the complete line of LEGO Education products throughout Canada.

Studica Robotics offers a variety of wheel options. We also offer flex wheels that can be modified for better intake for a robot.

This year, after being postponed in 2020, the EuroSkills 2021 competition was held in the beautiful city of Graz, Austria. The event included over 400 competitors from 19 countries. Kudos to all who made this event such a success.

With all the added complexities of hosting an event with COVID-19 related challenges, everyone did an amazing job! Studica proudly supported the Mobile Robotics competition at this event with our Studica Robotics products and know-how. Studica Robotics is an affordable robotics building platform that offers structural and motion components that work easily together. There is no need for a machine shop and Studica Robotics components are compatible with many existing build systems. As a leading provider of educational technologies and over 35 years of experience in the fields of STEM and robotics, Studica is committed to the development of skills across the globe. We were excited to see the different robots that the teams came up with and are looking forward to the next event in St. Petersburg in 2023.

Mobile Robotics at EuroSkills

Mobile Robotics engineers design, maintain, develop new applications, and conduct research about potential applications for robots. Mobile Robotics is quickly evolving and plays an important role in a variety of industries including manufacturing, aerospace, medicine, agriculture, and aerospace.

At this year’s Mobile Robotics competition participation was lighter than usual due to the pandemic. However, the teams who participated all did a wonderful job. The team from Austria had a strong performance. Team Russia won the gold with an impressive performance. Watch the video below to see Team Russia’s waste management robot in action. The Russian team came in first for the entire EuroSkills Graz 2021 event. They earned 32 medals overall.

Competing in 2023

Russia will host EuroSkills St. Petersburg from August 16-20, 2023. This event promises to be the biggest and greatest EuroSkills ever. We are looking forward to the new Mobile Robotics competition with many new participants. This event was originally scheduled for 2022, however, with the schedule changes caused by the pandemic all future EuroSkills competitions will continue to take place in alternate years to WorldSkills competitions. The next WorldSkills competition will be held in China. WorldSkills Shanghai 2022 is scheduled for October 12-17, 2022. Studica is also a Global Partner and the official exclusive product supplier for the WorldSkills Mobile Robotics Competition.

The WorldSkills Shanghai 2021 competition has been postponed until 2022. To address the gap until the 2022 competition, Studica Robotics empowered by WorldSkills will provide the opportunity to continue learning about Mobile Robotics in a safe and engaging manner.  We found a way to maintain enthusiasm and build momentum for the 2022 Mobile Robotics Competition. We are excited to announce the Mobile Robotics Skills Challenge!

This online challenge provides an engaging way to help competitors and students gain an understanding of autonomous mobile robotic technology through design, mechanical and electronic systems, programming, and controls. Participants will gain an understanding of the critical skills needed to pursue a career in robotics. This includes knowledge of autonomous navigation, engineering, electrical systems, computing technology, and more.