The Upper Merion School District announced the receipt of a generous donation of two robotics products from Intellibot Robotics for the technology and engineering education programs at Upper Merion Middle School. The Middle School is using the robots in its STEM (science, engineering, technology, and math) initiative including classroom and afterschool programs that will impact 900 students in technology and education courses, and 200 students who participate in afterschool programs.

The robots are an earlier generation of the robotic floor cleaning products engineered by Intellibot, and will be used by students in grades 5-8 to learn about programming, build new robots, and understand the impact of robotics on the workforce today and in the future. The UMASD board of directors approved the new curriculum for the Technology Education Program earlier this year as well as upgrades to the design and engineering tech lab.

“We have seen high interest and support for the new Technology Education Program, and donations like the one from Intellibot will be crucial to further increase enrollment (in the program) and meet growing student demand for this knowledge,” said Matt Cullen, Technology and Engineering Education Teacher at Upper Merion Middle School. “Teaching 21st century skills that align with state and core standards is vital for Upper Merion, and we will rely on these types of contributions to grow our program and give kids the hands-on experiences they need to succeed.”

The UMASD also utilizes newer Intellibot products at the high school and middle school as a part of a movement to go “green.”

“We recognized the importance of STEM education in our nation’s schools. As a robotics innovator and manufacturer, we want to help educate students because we know our future and theirs depends on it,” said Erick Frack, President, Intellibot Robotics.