Humanoid robot "Pib" in lessons at the vocational grammar school
How does a humanoid robot actually work and what role does artificial intelligence play? These are precisely the questions that eleventh-grade students at the vocational grammar school in Korbach are currently addressing in the "Practical Computer Science" specialisation. As part of the subject of information technology, they are working on a special project: the construction and programming of the humanoid robot "Pib".
The project has also met with great interest from the district leadership. During a visit to the "robotics group", District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst saw the project for himself. He was impressed by the practical approach to computer science, the pupils' focussed work and, above all, the enthusiasm with which the young people go about their work.
The project combines practical technical skills with forward-looking content from the fields of robotics, programming and artificial intelligence. Firstly, the pupils assemble the robot step by step themselves. They assemble motors, sensors and control units and learn how mechanical, electronic and digital components interact in a complex system.
This is followed by the programming part of the project. With the help of modern programming environments, the young people develop their own control programmes for the robot. For example, they programme movement sequences, reactions to sensor values or simple interactions with the environment.
A particular focus here is on the use of artificial intelligence. Students learn how AI systems can be used to create and optimise program code or develop new functions. This gives them an insight into modern ways of working in software development, in which AI is increasingly being used as a supporting tool. At the same time, they take a critical look at the possibilities and limitations of this technology.
The project is supported by the district's media centre, which provides technical equipment and specialist support. The project is supervised by the head of the media centre, teacher Alexander Emde, who organises the information technology lessons.
Andreas Schön, Head of Department at the vocational grammar school, emphasises the particular importance of such teaching formats: "Especially when it comes to complex future topics such as artificial intelligence and robotics, it is important that students not only learn the theoretical basics, but can also apply them in practice. Modern didactic approaches make it possible to make abstract content tangible and develop a lasting understanding."
Such projects show what characterises the "practical computer science" specialisation at the vocational grammar school in Korbach alongside the theory: Independent development, experimental work and the use of current technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence take centre stage. A prime example of how school can prepare young people for an increasingly digitalised working world - and how exciting computer science is when you experience it in practice.
Caption: Finding out about the "Pib" project at Korbach Vocational Grammar School - District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst with Head of Department Andreas Schön, Head of Media Centre Alexander Emde and members of the "robot group". Photo: District of Waldeck-Frankenberg