Focusing learner-in-the-loop robotics on training spatial skills

This paper proposes an approach to outreach activities for school students in an industrial robotics laboratory. Students´ practice in programming and operating robot manipulators is focused on training spatial skills. We present two case studies in which a robotics workshop and course were given to different categories of students. Both case studies indicated students´ highly positive evaluation of the laboratory experience and their advance in performing spatial perception, mental rotation and visualization tasks.