According to a report by the World Economic Forum, by 2025, more than half of all tasks in the workplace will be performed by machines. This trend is expected to accelerate with the increasing adoption of robotics and automation in various industries. To prepare the next generation of workers for this shift, it is essential to incorporate robotics into the curriculum. Here are three reasons why:

Career/future job market: The robotics industry is growing rapidly, with an estimated 2.4 million industrial robots expected to be in operation by 2025. As a result, there is high demand for skilled professionals who can operate and maintain these systems. According to a report by Burning Glass Technologies, the median salary for jobs that require robotics skills is $80,000 per year. By adding robotics courses to the curriculum, colleges can help prepare students for lucrative careers in a growing field.

In addition, the skills students learn in robotics courses are highly transferable to other fields. For example, the programming and problem-solving skills students develop can be applied to fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace. As a result, students who study robotics are not limited to careers in the robotics industry; they have the potential to pursue a variety of high-paying careers.

Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that requires a range of technical problem-solving skills. By working on robotics projects, students can develop skills in programming, electronics, mechanical design, and more. These skills are not only valuable in the robotics industry, but also in other fields such as engineering, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Moreover, the integration of robotics into the curriculum can encourage students to pursue STEM fields. According to the National Science Foundation, only 16% of high school students are interested in pursuing STEM majors in college. By teaching robotics in schools, colleges can help increase student interest in STEM fields, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women and minorities.

Robotics projects often require students to work in teams and collaborate to achieve successful outcomes. By teaching robotics, colleges can help students develop important teamwork and collaboration skills that are highly valued by employers. In fact, a study by PwC found that 77% of CEOs consider soft skills, including teamwork and collaboration, to be just as important as technical skills.

In addition, robotics projects can provide students with practical experience that prepares them for the workforce. For example, students who work on robotics projects learn how to manage time, delegate tasks, and communicate effectively with team members. These skills are essential in the workforce and can give students a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

In conclusion, incorporating robotics into the curriculum can provide students with valuable job skills, practical experience, versatile skills, and collaborative skills. With the robotics market projected to continue its rapid growth, it's more important than ever for colleges to prepare their students for the future. By teaching robotics, colleges can help ensure that their students are well-equipped to succeed in a world that is increasingly reliant on automation and technology. In our next blog surrounding this topic, we will discuss Mecademic ‘Meca500’ robot and why it is uniquely qualified for education and research purposes.