Robots are taking over – and sparking innovation in the classroom

Is your teacher a robot? Technology is taking over, even in the classroom. New advances are made every day and it’s crucial that children understand them. “Kids are surrounded by tech, but they aren’t being taught about it in an academic environment,” Tyrone van Balla says. This is why the engineer is encouraging learners to engage with electronics alongside MiiA, a rather adorable robot. 

MiiA, a boxy machine with bug eyes, is part of an educational project designed by Van Balla and his team at RD9 Solutions. From assembling and wiring the robot to programming its movements with code, kids are involved every step of the way – no prior understanding needed. Resources and guides are available throughout the process. “It challenges them and allows them to embrace their creativity and learn things while having fun,” Van Balla says. 

He also runs workshops at high schools in the Western Cape, enabling children to become more involved in technology and science. “It really does future-proof them for what’s to come,” Van Balla says. Teaching kids to take initiative today is how we build innovators tomorrow.