When you think of robotics, your mind might automatically go to sci-fi movies, but the reality is that robotics is already a fundamental part of our daily lives—and it’s here to stay. From self-driving cars and surgical robots to self-navigating vacuums and automated farming equipment, robotics technology is growing more sophisticated with every passing minute.
While that might sound a little intimidating, especially for kids, it doesn’t have to be! For future generations, understanding robotics will be essential to understanding the world we all operate within.
Robotics is the key to developing and unlocking future career opportunities. And that’s where iD Tech comes in.
Part of our mission is to highlight cutting-edge technology that's here to stay, like robotics, and make it more accessible for all kids. That's why we're the official education partner of BattleBots®.
To help you navigate the ins and outs of robotics, eliminate the guesswork, and learn how best to help your child thrive, we've got the inside scoop for you.
We recently sat down with Andrea Gellatly, the formidable Witch Doctor BattleBots® team captain. Andrea’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and teamwork in overcoming and achieving technological excellence. With her boundless enthusiasm for engineering and innovation, Andrea has captivated audiences and inspired aspiring roboticists around the globe. Her commitment to education and outreach matches her passion for robotics as she actively encourages young minds to explore the exciting possibilities of STEM.
Keep reading for her insight on the past, present, and future of robotics...
"I graduated middle school convinced I was going to be an artist until I started building robots in high school, and it totally changed the trajectory of my career," Andrea recalls. As a young robot builder, Andrea found herself in a welcoming environment where making mistakes and learning from them was encouraged. When she eventually joined BattleBots®, she found that this experience wasn’t limited to high school. "BattleBots® has always been a welcoming space to learn, make mistakes, and build robots," she says. At an early age, robotics taught her the importance of an inclusive learning environment and the value of following childhood passions to transform them into a dream career.
Early exposure makes tech less intimidating
Sometimes, kids see advanced technology like robotics as complex and intimidating, but hands-on experiences help demystify the machines we all interact with daily. Early exposure builds confidence. Think about it like this: the average age for a child to learn how to ride a bike is 3-7 years old. Like biking, the first couple of tries with robotics might be challenging, but learning at a young age ensures the process of perseverance becomes second nature.
Andrea and her Witch Doctor team strive to make robotics relatable. "We try to make every design decision both functional and visually engaging," she explains. "We want our robot to be memorable, especially for kids watching the show. I love to see kids dress as Witch Doctor for Halloween. To me, if we can inspire kids to get hands-on and build, that’s the ultimate sign that we’re doing something right.”
Robots are everywhere, part 1
Robotics is not just about wires and motors. It’s a fantastic way for kids to learn universal skills that transfer to any career, like:
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and backwards planning
- Communication and collaboration
- Resilience and perseverance
- Creativity and expression
Andrea emphasizes how robotics helps young builders beyond technical skills. “If you’re able to be successful in a small robotics team, you have all the skills you need to run a business, like teamwork, problem-solving, logistics, fundraising, and more.” Her experiences in competition-based engineering taught her how to meet deadlines, manage resources, and think on her feet—skills that are invaluable no matter the career field.
Learn more about the educational benefits of robotics
Robotics is a future-proof career
Speaking of careers, did you know that by 2025, an estimated 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation? But don’t worry! 97 million new jobs will emerge, and those new jobs will require an understanding of robotics in industries beyond what you might expect:
- Healthcare: surgical robotics, prosthetics, and rehabilitation devices
- Agriculture: automated farming equipment
- Retail: inventory management and customer service
- Entertainment: animatronics, movie special effects, and theme park robotics
- Transportation: self-driving vehicles and automated logistics
A background in robotics can give kids an edge no matter their career path. For example, Andrea is a BattleBots® champion by night, but by day she has a professional career in biomedical engineering! She explains, “I specifically work in orthopedics and design trauma implants that help put broken bones back together when bones break in a way that a cast is not sufficient to heal them. BattleBots® has taught me a lot about putting broken things back together—and, more importantly, designing things that don’t break."
Read more STEM education statistics
Robots are everywhere, part 2
Getting kids into robotics can be as simple as exposure. How will they know it’s an option if they don’t know what it is? "I almost funneled my interests into art because I didn’t know engineering was an option," Andrea admits. Her story proves that robotics can captivate kids from any background, providing them with creative and technical skills that apply across various disciplines. "Now, with platforms like BattleBots®, we can show kids that STEM fields are exciting, creative, and accessible."
Robotics isn’t just for kids who love coding—there are entry points all around if you know where to look:
- For artists: designing the look and aesthetics of a robot
- For engineers: building and testing physical components
- For programmers: writing code to control robotic movements
- For strategists: analyzing competition tactics
- For storytellers: documenting projects, creating videos, and inspiring others
How to get your kids started
The best way to introduce your kids to robotics is through hands-on experiences. Here are 5 ways to get started:
1. Enroll in robotics courses. At iD Tech, we’ve got a BattleBots® camp course for kids of every age and skill level, and these camps will be the highlight of your family’s summer! Every year, our team brings brand new content and new challenges, so find a course and get ready to rumble at: idtech.com/bots
2. Try a robotics kit. Andrea’s own “Camp Witch Doctor” provides step-by-step guidance for kids to build and program a robot at home.
3. Watch robotics competitions together: Shows like BattleBots® inspire kids and demonstrate the exciting possibilities of robotics.
4. Encourage experimentation: Let kids tinker with older electronics, basic coding, and household mechanics, like a bike or a lawnmower. Mistakes are part of the learning process! As Andrea says, "The best part of robotics is the journey. It’s not about winning—it’s about learning, improving, and becoming part of a community that’s constantly evolving."
5. Connect with a robotics community. Join local or school robotics clubs, attend robotics expos, or find online forums where young builders can share ideas and get advice.
TL;DR
Robotics are already an essential part of everyday life, from healthcare to transportation. But robotics is not just the present—it’s the future. Early exposure to robotics isn’t just about learning how to build a machine, it’s about helping kids build skills for every industry, including problem-solving, perseverance, and teamwork.
We sat down with formidable Witch Doctor BattleBots® team captain, Andrea Gellatly, to get the inside scoop on how hands-on robotics experiences can open doors to a wide range of careers. The takeaway? "Now, with platforms like BattleBots®, we can show kids that STEM fields are exciting, creative, and accessible." Robotics is not just for engineers, and that’s the beauty of this ever-evolving field of the future.