Open Access

Thomas Wendt, Jennifer J. Blöchle, Anke Fischer-Janzen, Andi Schnebel

• Robotics education plays a crucial role in preparing the next generation for a technology-driven world. The Work-Life Robotics Institute (WLRI) at Hochschule Offenburg provides children and adolescents with opportunities to experience robotics through immersive, interactive, and age-appropriate activities. This paper introduces the institute’s pedagogical framework, which combines project-basedRobotics education plays a crucial role in preparing the next generation for a technology-driven world. The Work-Life Robotics Institute (WLRI) at Hochschule Offenburg provides children and adolescents with opportunities to experience robotics through immersive, interactive, and age-appropriate activities. This paper introduces the institute’s pedagogical framework, which combines project-based learning and edutainment to generate interest and deepen understanding of robotics. The program includes an engaging quiz to introduce participants to practical robotic applications, such as police dog robots and pipe-cleaning robots. A guided laboratory tour demonstrates advanced robotic systems, showcasing their innovative applications in both education and research. Participants engage in hands-on activities, from controlling collaborative robots in games like Jenga to operating industrial robots in simulated scenarios. Advanced learners further develop their skills through robot programming and simulation with professional tools. By tailoring tasks to various age groups, the program ensures accessibility and meaningful participation. The paper also explores the broader impact of such educational initiatives on integrating robotics into technical and scientific learning environments. It highlights the institute’s achievements in sparking technical curiosity, providing practical insights into robotics, and discussing how such programs can be scaled to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education.…