Wensing discusses how ‘robotics rage’ is engaging kids in STEM

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ECE doctoral student Patrick Wensing discusses how the field of robotics is helping engage kids in math, science and engineering in “Rage for Robotics Could Close Math, Science Gap,” a Cincinnati Enquirer story by Michael D. Clark.

“Robots have a natural capability to get their imagination going, and it captures a kid’s attention immediately,” says Wensing, who said he never considered an engineering career until he built his first robot from a kit as a child.

The rage in robotics also fits nicely into the national and local emphasis on K-12 schools’ developing stronger STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – curricula, Wensing says. And robots may open a door for more girls to consider tech or engineering careers, he says.

Wensing (BSEE 09) conducts research in humanoid robotics with David Orin, professor emeritus of electrical and computer engineering, and is co-chair of the IEEE Robotics & Automation Society Student Activities Committee.