Mobile Robotics Initiative to Enhance STEM Education in India
The MBD Group has unveiled an innovative project named ‘Robotics Lab on Wheels,’ designed to bring robotics and STEM education directly to students in underprivileged schools across both urban and rural landscapes in India. Member of Parliament Lahar Singh Siroya launched MBD Group’s Robotics Lab on Wheels.
Initiated by the Ashok Malhotra Charitable Trust, the CSR arm of the MBD Group, the mobile lab falls under the umbrella of the “Love to learn by MBD” initiative. This remarkable van is equipped to deliver experiential, technology-driven educational experiences to schools that traditionally lack such amenities and financial resources, as outlined by the organization.
This undertaking emerges from Ashok Karya, an enduring movement aimed at fostering social impact in homage to the legacy of its founder, Ashok Kumar Malhotra.
Robotics Lab on Wheels: Operational Mechanics
The Robotics Lab on Wheels consists of a uniquely engineered van, outfitted with all requisite tools for immersive STEM learning, including Arduino boards, sensors, motors, and robotics kits. This mobile unit possesses the flexibility to access both remote and densely populated schools, ensuring that advanced STEM education reaches every aspiring learner.
Conducting learning sessions within school classrooms or designated activity areas, a trained facilitator will guide students through 24 interactive sessions spanning ten months, effectively transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant hubs of innovation and collaboration, as reported by MDB Group.
Students will partake in five meticulously crafted modules beginning with the basics of robotics and progressing to advanced topics such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation. At the program’s conclusion, students will undergo assessments and receive certification, marking their inaugural entry into the realm of future technologies.
Community Support and Empowerment
Member of Parliament Lahar Singh Siroya, who officiated the launch, hailed it as a “commendable step towards ensuring equitable access to future-ready education for every child.” He emphasized that robotics and STEM education should not be a privilege of a select few but should permeate every corner of India, and initiatives like this make that possible.
Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson of MBD Group, articulated that the Robotics Lab on Wheels presents children with more than mere knowledge; it instills them with confidence, creativity, and a vision of a future they are capable of shaping themselves. She remarked,
“It injects joy into learning and sows the seeds of curiosity and innovation in children who might otherwise lack exposure to robotics or coding.”
Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director of MBD Group, noted that the initiative transforms STEM education from an elusive concept into concrete, tangible, and enjoyable experiences.
She further asserted that the program fosters confidence among students, instilling a belief that their ideas are valuable and that their futures can differ, empowering them to be change-makers.
Sonica Malhotra, Joint Managing Director of MBD Group, remarked that the Robotics Lab on Wheels ensures that learners in smaller towns and lesser-known schools receive comparable educational experiences as those in larger cities. She stated,
“This transcends education; it lays the groundwork for social mobility, bridges the digital divide, and inspires young individuals to think, create, and lead with intention.”
The Ashok Malhotra Charitable Trust and MBD Group aspire to reach over 1,000 schools in the next five years, extending their influence across urban, rural, and remote communities. Their goal is to educate over 100,000 students aged 10 to 16, offering early exposure to robotics, coding, engineering, and innovative practices through guided, hands-on experiences.
The launch event also saw participation from more than 100 principals and renowned educators, along with students who experienced firsthand the offerings of the Robotics Lab on Wheels.
Panel Discussion on STEM Education
During the event, a panel discussion centered on ‘STEM Education’ featured prominent education experts who addressed the pivotal role of robotics and coding in preparing students for an increasingly technology-oriented future. Participants included:
- Lokesh Mehra (Sr. Manager – Global Engagement, AWS South Asia),
- Dr. Chanchal Bhardwaj (Rashtriya Sampark Pramukh, Bhartiya Shiksha Mandal – RSS and Registrar of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University),
- Vineet Aggarwal (Motivational Speaker, Social Activist, and Leadership Coach),
- Ashok Pandey (Transformative Education Leader, Author, and Advocate for Global Citizenship and Sustainability),
- Kulbhushan Sharma (President, National Independent Schools Association),
- Narayan Kumar Karn (President, IDPS).
Source link: Hindustantimes.com.
