SEAMEO INNOTECH, Hytec Power Join Forces to Revolutionize STEM Education Through Robotics
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Quezon City, Philippines — The Exploring Robotics and VEX Solutions in Education webinar, held on November 18, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between Hytec Power Incorporated (HPI) and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH). This online event focused on the transformative impact of robotics in education, with a special emphasis on the innovative applications of VEX Robotics. As part of their newly established partnership, SEAMEO INNOTECH and HPI explored how robotics can inspire student engagement in STEM fields, enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and foster stronger connections between educational institutions and industry experts. The webinar provided valuable insights into the role of VEX Robotics in shaping the future of education and equipping students with the skills needed to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving global workforce.
SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Deputy Director, Ms. Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre delivers the opening remarks.
SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Deputy Director, Ms. Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre, officially opened the webinar. She emphasized the transformative power of robotics and innovation and encouraged educators and participants to seize the opportunity to shape a future where technology and humanity thrive together. “Innovation does not happen in isolation. It happens when brilliant minds come together to reimagine the world.”
Ms. Mary Ruth A. Gahuman delivers her keynote address.
In her keynote address, Ms. Mary Ruth A. Gahuman from Hytec Power Inc. explored the transformative role of educational robotics in shaping lifelong learners, especially in an AI-driven world. She emphasized the global significance of the VEX Robotics Competition, which brings together over 20,000 teams from 50 countries, fostering collaboration, creativity, and innovation among students worldwide.
Ms. Gahuman stressed how robotics competitions develop both technical and soft skills in students, such as problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and creativity. These competitions help students gain hands-on experience in engineering, programming, and automation, all of which are essential in preparing them for future careers in the growing fields of AI and technology. Robotics projects also encourage learners to take on open-ended challenges, collaborate in teams, and iterate through trial and error, mirroring real-world industry demands.
She shared her personal experiences, reflecting on her team’s collaborations with international participants from Singapore and Taiwan, where they exchanged ideas and learned from diverse perspectives, gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
Ms. Gahuman also provided an overview of different types of educational robots, including programmable robots like VEX Robotics, robotic arms, humanoid robots, and virtual coding robots. She highlighted the unique learning opportunities each type offers, from teaching coding fundamentals to simulating industrial applications.
A key focus of her address was the VEXcode VR platform, a virtual robotics tool that allows students to practice coding and problem-solving without needing physical robots. This makes robotics education more accessible, especially for classrooms without robotics kits or for remote learning environments. In her presentation, Ms. Gahuman demonstrated how the VEXcode VR platform simulates real-world robotic tasks, teaching essential skills such as adjusting drivetrain commands and parameters to complete challenges, offering a cost-effective solution to robotics education.
The session concluded with an invitation for participants to join the upcoming VEX Robotics Competition, reinforcing the critical role robotics plays in preparing students for future careers and equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly automated world.
Mr. Eman Esteras delivers the closing remarks.
Mr. Eman Esteras of Hytec Power Inc. wrapped up the webinar by urging educators to apply the insights gained from the webinar and use them to inspire innovation and drive positive change in STEM and robotics education.
The Exploring Robotics and VEX Solutions in Education webinar has underscored the pivotal role that robotics and innovation will play in shaping the future of education. By equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world, SEAMEO INNOTECH and Hytec Power Incorporated are fostering a new generation of problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and global collaborators. As the partnership between these two organizations grows, they remain committed to empowering educators and inspiring students to embrace STEM, robotics, and the limitless possibilities of technology.
The webinar attracted impressive participation, with around 17,000 views on Facebook and over 220 participants from various regions in Southeast Asia and beyond, highlighting the growing interest and demand for robotics in education.
Looking ahead, SEAMEO INNOTECH and Hytec Power Incorporated are excited to announce the upcoming 2024-2025 Philippine VEX Robotics Competition, which will be held at Pearl Hall, SEAMEO INNOTECH, Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City on November 21, 22, and 25, 2024, and on December 12, 13, and 14, 2024. This event will bring together teams from elementary, high school, and university levels to showcase their robotics skills and creativity.
For more details on VEX Robotics and upcoming competitions, visit www.phvexroboticscompetition.com and join the movement toward a brighter, tech-driven future.
