DigiKey and SparkFun Expand Robotics Education

DigiKey, a US-based distribution company, announces a collaboration with SparkFun to bring Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) kits to the next generation of engineers, developers, and innovators.

Credit: Digikey XRP Assembled Robotics Kit
Credit: Digikey XRP Assembled Robotics Kit

Bringing XRP Robotics Kits to Aspiring Engineers 

DigiKey and SparkFun’s partnership provides XRP robotics kits to aspiring engineers eager to gain hands-on STEM experience. The XRP open-source platform is an educational, easy-to-use robotics program carefully designed to equip the next generation of makers with hands-on STEM skills. Educators can use the beginner-friendly XRP curriculum, which lowers the barriers to learning robotics, engineering, software development, and automation.

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Making Robotics Education More Accessible 

Making the XRP robotics kit accessible to emerging STEM leaders aligns with DigiKey’s mission to foster innovation and education by providing hands-on experiences that reveal the numerous opportunities available for students and makers' futures. XRP is an affordable, easy-to-use gateway to robotics education. The kit is available on DigiKey’s website for $114.95.

This year, DigiKey is offering educators and FIRST Robotics teams a discount on the XRP kit, allowing more students to begin participating in robotics programs.

Empowering Future Innovators with STEM Learning

“As demand for STEM education continues to grow, DigiKey is committed to supporting students, educators, and makers by providing accessible learning tools that build real-world engineering experience,” said Kevin Walseth, manager, technical marketing for DigiKey. “The XRP kit is more than just a robotics platform, it’s a steppingstone for future innovators who will one day lead the electronics industry.”

“We are immensely grateful to be part of the XRP community, which embodies innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a brighter future," said Glenn Samala, CEO of SparkFun. “At SparkFun, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers, and leaders. Our commitment to education and STEM aligns perfectly with the principles of the XRP Consortium, and we are excited to continue to manufacture, further innovate, and scale XRP.”