Created by VEX Robotics in partnership with FANUC, the new syllabus will inspire and prepare Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students for a career in engineering. Students will learn theoretical and practical skills behind how FANUC robots are installed, programmed, and maintained within a manufacturing environment, working both individually and as part of a team.
The step-by-step, 12 part lesson plan will challenge pupils with new ways of thinking and problem solving, to equip them with the right skills to become the future engineers of tomorrow.
Tom Bouchier, managing director of FANUC UK said: “The STEM shortage facing the UK engineering sector is a growing issue that needs to be addressed. Our partnership with VEX robotics will help towards resolving this issue, providing STEM skills from an early age and supporting career development. It is also important that an increasing number of girls are encouraged to pursue a future in engineering, as a way of solving the gender imbalance that currently persists within the industry.”
Phil Holton, head of design and technology at Bromley High School added: “The autonomous robotics project has been carefully planned to bring the industrial experience of robotic design and operation into the classroom with engaging and challenging stages of both physical building and programming”
Paul McKnight, head of operations at VEX Robotics Europe said: “The curriculum is an exciting opportunity to give students a hands-on experience of robotic engineering. We chose to partner with FANUC due to its reputation as a leader within the market, and its ethos of encouraging young people into robotics and automation through their apprenticeship scheme.”
