What do soccer-playing robots, telepresence droids, and 3D printers have in common? They’re all reshaping what education looks like — and our very own Sebastian Wollny sat down with the DIPF parent podcast Sitzenbleiben to break it all down. 🎙️

📣 Note: This episode is in German.

Robotics in education is no longer a distant vision. In Episode 48 of Sitzenbleiben, Sebastian — researcher in our Educational Technologies group and trained electrical engineer with a specialization in automation — explains how robots are already making their way into schools and what that means for students and teachers alike.

The conversation covers a surprisingly wide range of real-world applications:

  • 🏫 Telepresence robots that let sick children stay physically “present” in their classroom — a friend can even take the robot-avatar along to recess

  • 🧪 Expert visits via robot in science, German, or economics lessons, bringing specialists directly into the learning environment

  • 📚 Learning companions like “Luca” and “Ada”, small humanoid robots supporting children with reading in libraries

  • 🖨️ 3D printing in the classroom — from printing biological cell models to topographic models of your own region, starting at just ~300€

  • 🔐 Data privacy and cost — honest talk about the real challenges schools face when adopting these technologies

Why It Matters for the Future

Sebastian argues that robotics — especially in combination with AI — is one of the most important emerging fields in education. Machines now understand human context and language in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Engaging students with robotics today, whether through line-following robots, Scratch programming, or Lego Mindstorms, builds the competencies they’ll need tomorrow. 🚀

As Sebastian puts it: “If you know your way around it, it can’t hurt — and with engaged teachers on board, it’s like hitting the jackpot.”

🎧 Where to Listen

Catch the full episode on your preferred platform — in German:

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about where education is headed — this episode is well worth your time. 🌟