Robots for Secondary Schools: Scenarios, Preparation, Pitfalls

Written by ROBOTio Team · · 6 min read

Article summary

A humanoid robot at secondary school demonstrates robotics and artificial intelligence in practice to students. We present scenarios from open days through workshops, a preparation checklist, and key considerations.

A humanoid robot is worthwhile at secondary school when it demonstrates to students that robotics and artificial intelligence are genuine, employable fields—not merely an eye-catching spectacle. It works best in three roles: as an attraction at open days, as a foundation for careers guidance, and as a tool for practical workshops. Below you'll find specific scenarios, preparation checklists and commonly overlooked considerations. ## Why a Robot Makes Sense at Secondary School Secondary school students are deciding where they go next. The robot shows them that robotics and AI are not distant future concepts, but fields that already function. Equally important is another dimension: students see that you don't have to be a programmer to work with robots. There are many areas: hardware, software and AI, but also business and marketing in the tech sector. The page [Robot for Secondary Schools](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) lists the main benefits: - career guidance in technical fields, - practical experience with robotics and the link between theory and practice, - motivation for STEM study, - preparation for technical universities, - support for final-year projects. For younger pupils there is a separate format; see [robots for primary schools](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type). For secondary students it's more about content and direction than surprise. ## Four Scenarios That Make Sense ### 1. Open Day The robot greets visitors at the entrance, answers simple questions and encourages them to tour the specialist classrooms. Both parents and prospective students will remember a school that isn't afraid to engage with robotics. Find more on the [robots for open days](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) page. Plan short segments and breaks so the robot doesn't dominate the entire tour. ### 2. Careers Day and Guidance The robot can open a discussion with a careers adviser or a representative from a partner tech company. They can then explain what careers emerge around robots: design engineer, developer, data specialist and business development. The robot gives the conversation a common focal point from which discussion can develop. ### 3. Hands-on Workshops for Technical Programmes For technical secondary schools we offer workshops where students programme basic robot behaviour and learn the principles of machine learning. The format is similar to what we describe for [robots for workshops](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type). For longer-term technical engagement there is [ROBOTio Academy](https://robotio.eu/academy) and [training and development](https://robotio.eu/services/training). ### 4. Final-Year Projects and Industry Partnerships A robot makes an excellent subject for a final-year project. We work with schools on longer-term projects where students tackle real-world challenges with the robot. An added benefit is access to companies that partner with schools: students see what briefs look like outside the classroom. ## What Our Deployments Show A school event has a different audience from a corporate evening, but the principles are the same. Three of our deployments are worth highlighting: - At the [T-Mobile T-Data & AI](https://robotio.eu/case-study/tmobile-t-data-ai-2026-bratislava-praha) conferences in Bratislava and Prague, robots welcomed guests, introduced segments on stage, and in Prague took part in an AI panel discussion. Similarly, a robot can be involved in a school discussion about artificial intelligence. - At the [Forbes Next Big Thing 2026](https://robotio.eu/case-study/forbes-next-big-thing-2026-brno) festival in Brno, robots opened the main programme and remained among guests all day. The same works for open days: the robot doesn't stay only on stage. - For the [Podzimek 130 let](https://robotio.eu/case-study/podzimek-130-let-trest-2026) celebration, the programme featured over 70 custom-recorded clips. For a school this means custom clips about programmes, laboratories and study can be prepared to your brief. ## What to Prepare Ahead of the Event We'll handle most of the work, but the school needs to arrange a few things: - **Event goal.** Do you want to recruit prospective students, motivate STEM uptake, or support teaching? We'll tailor the robot's role accordingly. - **Date, venue and scope.** Your request just needs the date, venue and what the robot should do. - **Space.** Level, stable flooring and a power outlet nearby. For ROBOrevue format, you'll need at least a 12 × 6 m space; we'll determine other formats together. - **Access.** Operators and transport boxes need vehicle access and passage to the hall or classroom. - **Scripts.** You approve the dialogue and persona in advance. Involve ICT or careers teachers to ensure the scripts match your school's programmes. - **Language.** The robot responds in the language visitors address it in, so it works for international classes or visiting guests. ## Which Robot to Choose For a classroom or corridor, the compact [Unitree G1](https://robotio.eu/unitree-g1-basic) at 135 cm tall is ideal. For a large hall or gymnasium, the Unitree H2 (180 cm) is better as it's visible from further away. The robots are made by [Unitree](https://robotio.eu/brands/unitree) and we rent them from our own fleet. See our [humanoid robot rental](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental) overview. ## Watch Out For - **The robot is not a teacher.** It draws attention and introduces topics; the explanation stays with the educator or industry expert. - **Safe distance.** Two of our operators are with each robot throughout, monitoring the space and controlling movement and gestures. The robot maintains its own balance. It's wise to brief students beforehand on how to approach the robot. - **Setup time.** We'll arrive early to position and test the robot. Expect the hall to be busy for a while. - **One focus per event.** If you want workshop, presentation and photography at once, split the programme into blocks. - **Follow-up.** After the event, offer students a next step—perhaps a project, site visit or company meeting. Otherwise the impact of a single day fades quickly. If you're planning an event for older students and graduates, also check our [robots for universities](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Which schools most often use the robot? Secondary vocational schools, grammar schools, ICT and technology teachers, and careers advisers. It can also be used by tech companies that partner with secondary schools. ### Does the school need its own equipment or a programmer? No. We bring the robot, set it up and test it; two of our operators are always present. The school provides space, a power outlet and access. ### Can the robot communicate in English? Yes. The robot responds in the language visitors use, and the interface supports 13 languages. The persona and scripts are approved in advance. ### How much does rental cost? We don't publish prices; we set them based on event duration, number of robots and location. We'll send a quote within 24 hours of your request. ## Non-binding Request Planning an open day, careers day or robot workshop? Send the date, venue and your vision via our [rental request form](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental). You'll receive a quote with options within 24 hours.

Want to see a humanoid at your own event? Find out how to rent a humanoid robot with our own operators.

Category

tipy

Tags

  • robots for secondary schools
  • humanoid robot
  • open day
  • workshops
  • STEM
  • career guidance
  • robot rental

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