DSP Jahrbuch 2016

ROBOTICS
1. Why Lego Robotics?
Working with Lego Robotics awakens an interest for natural
sciences and technology within children as well as depicting an
innovative and extremely varied field of occupation for children
and adolescents.
Apart from the playful learning of complex technical processes,
such as building and programming of robots, the participants also
learn to work together within a team, to solve a problem even when
it initially goes wrong, as well as a sense of responsibility for their
own project. They learn to develop team structures and to work in
a team by each person bringing their own set of abilities to find the
most optimal solution.
2. Perspective
Robot technology i.e. automation will continue to increase in
significance in future. More and more, everyday tasks are taken
over by robots. Robots are becoming increasingly important for
interplanetary space missions, explorations of ocean depths and the
fabrication of cars. In many surgeries, robots are already superior to
the best surgeons in terms of precision and speed. Even operations
performed by way of a joy stick, with the operator on other side of
the world, are performed almost daily by robots. Robots are also
becoming more important in the private sector. In just a few years,
robots will be taking care of grocery shopping, cleaning houses,
washing windows, mowing the lawn, etc. In countries with a high
number of elderly people, robots will take on the role of caring for
the elderly. Robotics is an extremely fascinating and future-relevant
technology, which has developed very fast in the last couple of
years, and has many areas of application as well as outstanding
career prospects.
3. Career Prospects
Young creative people who are enthused by technology and who
are able to work in teams and contribute their skills and abilities to a
project, are wanted for this future industry. Qualified and interested
young people, who decide to pursue careers in this technological
field, have excellent career prospects.
FIRST PRIZE FOR BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH ROBOTICS ACTIVITIES!
The Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria (DSP) achieved the First
Prize in a global competition for bridging divides in South Africa
through youth LEGO robotics. This award was presented to the DSP
delegation on Tuesday 10 May 2016 by the Association of German
Chambers of Commerce and Industry at a ceremony attended by
the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Mr Frank-Walter
Steinmeier.
Benefit of youth robotics for South Africa
In a fast-paced globalised world, relevant technical skills
are important. Africa needs scientists and engineers to build
communities and improve quality of lives. Through the LEGO
robotics programme, the DSP stimulates interest in science
and technology from an early age onwards. Learners develop
mathematical skills and explore scientific approaches towards
solving problems by using robotics activities.
Vision for robotics at school level
“Since I began walking, I have been playing with LEGO, yet I had
never thought that these robotics activities at the Deutsche
Internationale Schule Pretoria would influence my life decisions
so significantly!” - Heiko Kabutz, past robotics learner, who is now
studying engineering towards designing robots one day.
The DSP is taking a systematic approach to growing skills
from Kindergarten to Matric through a comprehensive robotics
programme. Learners develop technical abilities as well as life skills.
The learners are motivated by impressive achievements by the DSP
teams at previous local and international robotics competitions.
Experience of youth in robotics
For more than 5 years the DSP learners have experienced teamwork,
working under pressure and presenting their work. They have
learned to be innovative and creative in solving difficult technical
challenges, as well as applying their solutions to everyday life.
108 DSP Jahrbuch 2016