Schools and outreach

Since our official opening in September 2022, we have engaged with thousands of young people at over 100 events, workshops and virtual lessons to raise awareness of the positive benefits that robotics and AI can bring to society. Our dedicated schools and outreach team encourage young learners to consider a career in computer science, engineering, and other STEM subjects, building representation and diversity across all demographics, and addressing future skills shortages in an increasingly technological world.

Through a tried-and-tested programme of activities, the team are focused on a number of key engagement themes:

  • Increasing EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) in computer science, engineering, maths and other STEM subjects;
  • Tackling digital exclusion and reducing the attainment and achievement gap;
  • Addressing future skills gaps in the workforce by building skills in design, engineering and computer programming;
  • Increasing trust and adoption of robotics in the classroom, workplace and at home;

Inspiring the next generation of roboticists

Since opening in September 2022, The National Robotarium has engaged with 10,000s of young people, families and educators through its bespoke robotics engagement programme. Led by Blair Wilson and Sabaht Bashir, the programme promotes equality and inclusion in robotics, inspiring people of all backgrounds to learn not only about computer science and engineering – the technical aspects of robotics – but also the soft skills required to ensure our increasingly-roboticised futures are accessible and equitable for all.

A large group of students and mentors pose together at a robotics competition event. Most of the students wear matching bright orange shirts with a logo, while others are in school uniforms. A banner in the background displays 'Inspire Award' and logos for FIRST Tech Challenge and the National Robotarium.

First TECH Challenge

The National Robotarium outreach and engagement team have partnered with First Tech Challenge, one of the world’s largest robot competitions for 12-18 years. Since joining forces in December 2023, at Hearts of Midlothian FC Innovation Centre, The National Robotarium has hosted a number of community ‘scrimmage’ events, informing and engaging young people to develop their robotics programming and engineering skills, widening access to computer science, maths and other STEM subjects, and preparing the next generation of roboticists.

Read more: BLOG: Leading the next generation of Scottish roboticists to the First Tech Challenge UK finals – Blair Wilson

School tours, visits and work experience

We host regular visits and drop-in sessions for schools, clubs and other groups interested in learning more about skills and careers in robotics, computer science and engineering. With a range of flexible spaces and hands-on activities, we can tailor visits to suit different age ranges (6- 18) and group size.

Booking requests for school year 2026/27 are currently closed due to overwhelming demand.

For work experience enquiries, contact Sabaht Bashir, Schools and Engagement Lead, at s.bashir@hw.ac.uk.

“The activities were fun and insightful about what robotics could do and have already done to the world we live in. The visit was so amazing that I’m now considering doing it as a future career choice.”

“The team at the National Robotarium were friendly and informative and our pupils had a great day enjoying the variety of experiences planned for them. The fully and semi-immersive reality activities were fascinating and showed our students the potential uses of these types of technology. The robotic dog was definitely the star of the day. All of our students were awakened to the possibilities on display, and many are now seriously looking into careers in this field. “

“I would highly recommend this trip for all students as seeing the robots in real life is a fantastic experience. The information shared inspired pupils to want to get into robotics and see possible career opportunities. All the students thoroughly enjoyed the virtual reality experience and getting to see a programming language they learn in school being used in that way.”

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Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland
UK EH14 4AS

Scottish registered charity number SC000278

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH8 9YL

Scottish registered charity number SC005336

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Email: NationalRobotarium@hw.ac.uk
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