RAOP
The Robotics and Automation Outreach Program (RAOP) combines two weeks of virtual investigation with one week of on-site laboratory experience. Hosted by Howard University’s Autonomous Vehicle, Robotics & Control (AVRC) Laboratory, the program helps STEM educators connect research experience and guided inquiry-based learning with teaching in their schools.
2 weeks virtual + 1 week on-site
8 STEM educators
Research experience and school integration
The summer training is complete. Preparation, virtual work, and laboratory rotations formed a connected experience, with classroom integration planning throughout the program.
Before the virtual phase
MathWorks approved a STEM Outreach License for MATLAB and Simulink. Access was shared with educators one month before training to support MATLAB Onramp and Simulink Onramp preparation.
July 6–17, 2026
Eight educators worked in pairs on assigned platform activities using MATLAB, Simulink, and Quanser QLabs digital twins. Guided inquiry-based learning connected predictions, observations, measurements, and explanations.
July 20–24, 2026
Educators rotated through Qube-Servo 3, Aero 2, QArm, and QBot Platform activities in Howard University’s AVRC Laboratory. Supervised investigations connected virtual models with physical equipment.
Virtual activities were organized in four pairs; on-site rotations gave educators experience with all four core platforms. Qube-Servo 3 introduces DC motor motion, encoders, and feedback. Aero 2 illustrates pitch, yaw, and coupled motion. QArm supports manipulation and joint sensing, while QBot Platform introduces mobile ground robotics and sensing.
Introductory investigations emphasize identifying components, reading measurements, sending commands, collecting data, and explaining system behavior. MATLAB and Simulink support model-based investigation; QUARC supports real-time hardware interfacing. Advanced control theory and forward or inverse kinematics are extensions rather than prerequisites for school-level activities.
Advanced demonstrations included QDrone 2 mission control in the Autonomous Vehicle Research Studio using OptiTrack localization and Motive software. These demonstrations extended awareness of research capabilities beyond the four core platform activities.
Explore platform activitiesThe assessment sequence documents preparation, laboratory experience, educator feedback, and advisory recommendations. This evidence informs curriculum refinement and participant support.
| Tool | Focus | Timing and Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | Setup Readiness | Before virtual instruction: software access, preparation, and support needs. |
| T2 | Virtual Laboratory Checkpoint | End of the virtual phase: activities, observations, explanations, and teaching connections. |
| T3 | Hardware On-Site Checkpoint | End of the on-site phase: physical investigations, reflections, and integration plans. |
| T4 | Participant Feedback | End of the on-site phase: educator experience and suggestions for improvement. |
| T5 | Group Discussion and Classroom Integration Planning | July 24, 2026: shared reflection, implementation ideas, and anticipated support needs. |
| T6 | Advisory Board Feedback | Initial and follow-up reviews: recommendations on program design and refinement. |
Educators are encouraged to adapt their learning for courses, curriculum units, after-school activities, and clubs. Planning considers student readiness, available equipment, time, and teaching objectives. The educator guide provides a foundation for an adaptable grades 6–12 curriculum.
Follow-up is planned for October 2026 to document actual or planned school implementation, identify barriers, and determine further support needs. The curriculum will be expanded, evaluated, and refined across five annual cycles.
The RAOP team provides training assistance. Quanser supports the platform learning environment through digital twins, technical resources, and instructional support; MathWorks supports software access through the approved outreach license.
Future cohort dates and participation details will be communicated by the project team.Contact RAOP.
Program updates, announcements, and educator highlights.
Instagram links to Fadel Lashhab’s profile. Some social platforms may require sign-in.