FOSSBot4AI is an Erasmus+ KA2 project designed to integrate Artificial Intelligence education into higher education using open-source technologies and hands-on learning.
Project Identity: FOSSBOT4AI
| Project title | Teaching AI to higher education students using an open-source and open-design educational robot (FOSSBot4AI) |
| Programme | Erasmus+ |
| Action type | KA220-HED – Cooperation partnerships in higher education |
| Project Start Date | 03/11/2025 |
| Project End Date | 02/05/2028 |
| Duration | 30 months |
| Project Budget | 250 000,00 € |
| Applicant Organisation | EPMI, France |
| National Agency | FR01 – Agence Erasmus+ France /Education et Formation |
| Project Objectives | Integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and educational robotics into a unifiedcurriculum, addressing current educational priorities |
| Partners | POLITECHNIKA POZNANSKA, PLCHAROKOPEIO PANEPISTIMIO, GRATERMON B.V, NLETAIREIA ELEYTHEROY LOGISMIKOY LOGISMIKOY ANOIKTOY KODIKA, GRErzurum Technical University, TR |
Key Points
- FOSSBot4AI aims to revolutionize AI education in higher education by providing an accessible, open-source educational robot.
- The project develops a comprehensive AI educational framework based on the “5 Big Ideas in AI” (Perception, Representation & Reasoning, Learning, Natural Interaction, Societal Impact).
- It includes an online academy and virtual simulator for programming, testing, and experimentation.
- The project brings together six partners from five countries (France, Poland, Greece, Netherlands, Turkey) combining expertise in AI, robotics, and education.
- FOSSBot4AI addresses Erasmus+ priorities by promoting digital transformation and innovative teaching practices in higher education.
Objectives
- Develop FOSSBot:v2, an upgraded open-source educational robot with enhanced hardware support and reduced assembly time.
- Create an AI educational framework with project-based learning resources covering AI, ML, NLP, computer vision, and IoT.
- Build an online academy offering structured learning paths with micro-credentials for skill certification.
- Develop a virtual simulator (digital twin) for students to program and test without physical hardware.
- Validate the approach through pilot programs across partner universities.
Long-term Aims
- Enhance AI literacy among higher education students across Europe.
- Equip academic staff with tools and resources to integrate AI and robotics into their teaching.
- Democratize access to AI education through open-source hardware, software, and educational materials.
- Foster a community of practice around open educational robotics and AI learning.
- Ensure sustainability through the FOSSBot4AI Academy platform beyond the project’s funding period.
Target Groups
- Higher Education Institutions offering STEM, Computer Science, and Engineering programs.
- Academic staff (professors, lecturers) seeking to integrate AI and robotics into their courses.
- Higher education students interested in AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and robotics.
- EdTech industry looking for open-source educational solutions.
- Open-source and maker communities interested in contributing to educational robotics.
- Policy makers and educational authorities exploring AI integration in curricula.
Results – Outputs
- FOSSBot:v2: An upgraded open-source, 3D-printed educational robot with assembly manual and software stack.
- AI Educational Framework: Comprehensive curriculum based on the 5 Big Ideas in AI with project resources.
- Online Academy: E-learning platform with courses, learning paths, and micro-credentials.
- Virtual Simulator: Digital twin of FOSSBot:v2 for programming and experimentation.
- Multilingual Resources: All materials available in English, French, Polish, Greek, Dutch, and Turkish.
Implementation Guidelines: Recommendations for integrating AI robotics education in higher education.