AI robotics learning platform to reach students in 190 countries

FIRST Global has announced a new learning platform that will allow student robotics teams to build and work with agentic AI systems. The initiative was unveiled at the United Nations’ AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.

Beginning in 2027, the software will be added to the Experiential Robotics Platform used by teams across more than 190 countries and territories. Students will be able to ask questions about their code, receive guidance and troubleshoot their robots without buying new equipment.

Key facts

• The platform is being developed by FIRST Global, Experiential and FYI.AI, and will be made available as a software module for existing XRP robots.
• It will be offered as a software upgrade for existing XRP robots.
• Students will be able to design AI workflows and receive real-time coding guidance.
• The system is intended to support, rather than replace, student decision-making.
• FIRST Global has joined the ITU AI Skills Coalition.
• Robotics kits will also be provided to competition finalists and communities with limited resources.

Our take

Learning how to build and supervise AI is more valuable than simply learning how to prompt it. Giving students hands-on experience with robotics, programming and autonomous systems could help them understand how AI reaches decisions, where it can fail and why human oversight remains important. Making the software available on existing equipment should also help broaden access beyond well-funded schools.

Sources

• FIRST Global: Agentic AI learning experience for robotics students (first.global)
• AI for Good: Advancing robotics education across 190 countries (aiforgood.itu.int)