KITE rolls out statewide robotics program in Kerala schools to boost technology skills

Kerala has launched a statewide robotics training program for about 4.5 lakh Class 10 students in government and aided schools, with the initiative being implemented by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education to strengthen technology education and future readiness.

The program, rolled out through the general education department’s technology arm, is scheduled to be completed in all schools by Jan 15.

It is being conducted through the Little KITES IT network, with trained student members also supporting mentoring activities in schools.

According to K Anvar Sadath, CEO of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education, the initiative is designed to empower around 4.5 lakh students by providing hands-on exposure to robotics and reinforcing concepts from the revised information technology textbook ahead of the SSLC examinations.

The training is structured in two phases. The first session focuses on building awareness of robotics and its real-world applications, introducing students to core components such as sensors, microcontrollers, and actuators.

Students are also familiarized with equipment provided by KITE, including Arduino UNO boards, breadboards, and LEDs.

The second session emphasizes practical learning, where students use PictoBlox software for block-based coding to carry out activities such as blinking LEDs and operating buzzers.

Workshops are conducted under the supervision of trained Little KITES members and school-level mentors, with one robotics kit shared among four to five students to ensure effective participation.

Schools without Little KITES units have been asked to organize the training with support from nearby schools.

Officials said the initiative prioritizes experiential learning over theory and aims to spark interest in technology-driven careers, reflecting the growing importance of robotics and automation in the global economy.