Socially Assistive Robotics: State-of-the-Art Scenarios in Mexico

In this chapter, we describe the experience about the use of a humanoid robotic platform, in scenarios such as education and health in Mexico. The results obtained are commented on through the perspective of cultural, technological, and social aspects in the frameworks of education (from elementary to high school) and training of health professionals. The opening towards humanoid robotic systems in elementary school children, as well as health professionals, is not far from the acceptance due not only for the technological advancement but also for different social aspects. These two considerations influenced the results obtained and experiences achieved. At the same time, this chapter shows how humanoid robotics has functioned as a tool for final projects of undergraduate students

Digital accreditations in MOOC-based training on sustainability: Factors that influence terminal efficiency

Digital certificates in massive open online course (MOOC) learning experiences provide alternative credentials linked to lifelong learning. The Bi-National Laboratory on Smart Sustainable Energy Management and Technology Training provided the context for this research. This project was undertaken by Mexican and United States universities, businesses and governmental organisations, having granted 17,776 certifications in sustainability and 10,705 labour competence certificates. The research focused on analysing the factors that promote digital credentials, from the point of view of participant and platform characteristics, in the framework of MOOCs in energy sustainability, through the MexicoX and edX platforms. Using the ex post facto method, two validated instruments were applied to analyse motivation and self-regulation processes. A total of 4,002 useful responses were gathered from participants in 35 MOOC courses. The results account for six determinant factors for digital accreditation: perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, knowledge domain and expertise, group work disposition, achievement drive, and performance strategic thinking. We highlight implications for research on educational innovation and for educational practice in MOOCs. These data may be of interest to academics, researchers and decision-makers interested in training through distance environments. Implications for practice or policy: • Digital certifications in MOOCs are motivation for participants to successfully finish their courses, and this can be leveraged for education and research. • Course leaders need to consider that effective design and implementation of new models for MOOCs may help improve terminal efficiency. • The potential perceived benefits from training on professional performance have the greatest influence on the terminal efficiency of MOOC participants

A pipeline framework for robot maze navigation using computer vision, path planning and communication protocols.

Maze navigation is a recurring challenge in robotics competitions, where the aim is to design a strategy for one or several entities to traverse the optimal path in a fast and efficient way. To do so, numerous alternatives exist, relying on different sensing systems. Recently, camera-based approaches are becoming increasingly popular to address this scenario due to their reliability and given the possibility of migrating the resulting technologies to other application areas, mostly related to human-robot interaction. The aim of this paper is to present a pipeline methodology towards enabling a robot solving maze autonomously, by means of computer vision and path planning. Afterwards, the robot is capable of communicating the learned experience to a second robot, which then will solve the same challenge considering its own mechanical characteristics which may differ from the first robot. The pipeline is divided into four steps: (1) camera calibration (2) maze mapping (3) path planning and (4) communication. Experimental validation shows the efficiency of each step towards building this pipeline

Using Robotics to Enhance Active Learning in Mathematics: A Multi-Scenario Study

The use of technology, which is linked to active learning strategies, can contribute to better outcomes in Mathematics education. We analyse the conditions that are necessary for achieving an effective learning of Mathematics, aided by a robotic platform. Within this framework, the question raised was “What are the conditions that promote effective active math learning with robotic support?” Interventions at different educational scenarios were carried in order to explore three educational levels: elementary, secondary, and high school. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed, comparing the control and treatment groups for all scenarios through examinations, direct observations, and testimonials. The findings point to three key conditions: level, motivation, and teacher training. The obtained results show a very favourable impact on the attention and motivation of the students, and they allow for establishing the conditions that need to be met for an effective relationship between the teacher and the technological tool, so that better learning outcomes in Mathematics are more likely to be obtained

Use of Robotic Platforms as a Tool to Support STEM and Physical Education in Developed Countries: A Descriptive Analysis

The lack of interest of children at school is one of the biggest problems that Mexican education faces. Two important factors causing this lack of interest are the predominant methodology used in Mexican schools and the technology as a barrier for attention. The methodology that institutions have followed has become an issue because of its very traditional approach, with the professor giving all the theoretical material to the students while they listen and memorize the contents, and, if we add the issue of the growing access to technological devices for students, children carrying a phone are more likely to be distracted. This study aims to integrate technology through assistive robots as a beneficial tool for educators, in order to improve the attention span of students by making the learning process in multiple areas of the Mexican curriculum more dynamic, therefore obtaining better results. To prove this, four different approaches were implemented; three in elementary schools and one in higher education: the LEGO® robotic kit and the NAO robot for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching, the NAO robot for physical education (PE), and the PhantomX Hexapod, respectively. Each of these technological approaches was applied by considering both control and experimental groups, in order to compare the data and provide conclusions. Finally, this study proves that the attention span is indeed improved as a result of implementing robotic platforms during the teaching process, allowing the children to become more motivated during their PE class and become more proactive and retain more information during their STEM classes