Robots among Bookshelves: The Education of Robotics at the National Library of Technology in Prague
- The main goal of this paper is to present the ongoing project of robotics at the National Library of Technology (#robotikaNTK) from the insider position of its main coordinator. The presentation is focused on the introduction of the Info Corner of Robotics and its associated activities mainly consisting of several workshops.
This project was established at the end of the year 2021 as a part of the “Technological Library for the Development of Digital Literacy” funding. Since that time (and because of its popularity), it has always been in the stage of further development. The Info Corner of Robotics consists of the selection of specialized books that are connected with robotics (e. g. programming, mechatronics, ethics of A.I., kit manuals) and its main goal is to concentrate the literature across multiple fields in one space. During the time of regular consultations at the Corner, it is also possible for the visitors to be introduced to the selected robot kits.
The inseparable part of this project is the education of robotics in the form of workshops that are being conducted at the Library by specialized lecturers. The target audience for the workshops are students from elementary schools, high schools and universities. The lecturers are using educational kits mainly from Robotis Systems and also from Universal Robots as a part of the workshop with collaborative robotic arm UR3e. Based on the regular feedback up to now, the workshops provide very important experience for both: the beginners, and the specialists. Overall, they help to increase the level of technological literacy among students and often inspire them to study robotics in the future.
The project of robotics reflects the initial idea that a library of technology shouldn't be just a building full of books, but also an attractive space where the visitors are allowed to learn about technologies in combination of both: theoretical studying of books, and practical use of gadgets (e.g. robots) as well.