How Alvik Robot is Making Learning More Inclusive
In Italy, an innovative project has shown how educational robotics can bridge learning gaps and make classrooms more inclusive for children with special needs. At the center of this initiative is Ilaria Gusella, a learning support teacher and graduate in Primary Education from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan.
For her thesis, “Neurodevelopmental and Learning Disorders: Results of an Educational Robotics Project in Primary School”, Ilaria explored how the Alvik Robot from Arduino, combined with block-based programming via mBlock, could transform learning experiences for students with autism, ADHD, and other developmental differences—while also engaging their neurotypical peers.
Supported by Arduino and Dr. Micol Spitale of Politecnico di Milano, and guided by her university mentors, Ilaria designed activities that made coding playful, accessible, and personalized to each learner’s needs.
Two Studies, One Goal: Inclusion Through Technology
Ilaria’s project consisted of two parallel studies carried out at Istituto Comprensivo Statale “Arturo Toscanini”:
1. Neurodivergent group
Seven students with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences each worked one-on-one with their own Alvik robot. Activities were carefully adapted to match their strengths and address their challenges.
One standout exercise involved a large map on the floor where students programmed Alvik to “travel” from home to school. This not only taught coding basics but also helped them rehearse daily routines, understand step-by-step processes, and develop problem-solving skills in an engaging way.
2. Neurotypical group
Twenty third-grade students worked in pairs or small groups. In the first session, they brainstormed and drew their visions of what a robot could look like and what it might be capable of doing.
In the second phase, they interacted directly with Alvik through problem-solving activities. One such challenge required solving math equations, with each answer corresponding to a movement command guiding Alvik along a preset path. Teams had 20 minutes to complete the task, and the number of moves used became a measure of efficiency.
These two approaches showcased Alvik’s adaptability in supporting different learning contexts while fostering both technical and social development.
Transformative Impact on Learning
Across both groups, the enthusiasm for robotics was striking—but was especially notable among the neurodivergent students. Ilaria observed that these children showed increased motivation, improved social engagement, and measurable growth in cognitive and technical skills.
For neurotypical students, the sessions boosted creativity, teamwork, and computational thinking in a highly engaging environment. Having input in robot design made them more invested in the process, leading to lively discussions and high levels of participation. Four out of five groups interacted enthusiastically during the brainstorming stage, asking questions and making thoughtful contributions.
By integrating Alvik into structured yet adaptable activities, Ilaria demonstrated that educational robotics can act as a powerful equaliser—offering all children, regardless of ability, a fair chance to learn coding and digital skills.
Why Alvik Works in Inclusive Classrooms
A key factor in the project’s success was Alvik’s beginner-friendly, intuitive design. Despite having no prior experience with educational robotics, Ilaria became confident in using the tool after a single training session. This ease of use lowers the barrier for teachers without technical backgrounds to introduce STEM concepts.
Robotics also overcame some common challenges faced in special education. Tasks could be broken into clear steps, repeated as needed, and adjusted to individual learning profiles. The visual, hands-on nature of programming in mBlock kept students engaged, while robots provided immediate, tangible feedback that reinforced abstract concepts.
From Classroom Activities to STEM Pathways
One of Ilaria’s important insights was the potential long-term impact of introducing robotics early, especially for girls and students from underrepresented groups. Engaging with STEM tools like Alvik can spark curiosity and plant the seeds for future study or careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
For children with special needs, robotics offers a route into complex problem-solving and digital literacy without the intimidation factor often associated with traditional computer science instruction. It turns coding into a playful, social activity rather than a solitary, abstract exercise.
Overcoming Barriers for Teachers
Many educators hesitate to experiment with technology due to limited training, lack of dedicated spaces, or concerns that digital tools might hinder critical thinking. Ilaria’s experience challenges these fears, proving that with accessible equipment and supportive resources, even teachers with no tech background can successfully integrate robotics into their lessons.
Her work showed that robotics could complement, rather than replace, traditional learning. In fact, activities that combined technical skills with real-world contexts—such as navigating a map from home to school—helped students connect digital tasks with everyday life, reinforcing cognitive learning rather than diminishing it.
A Blueprint for Inclusive Learning
This project highlights several takeaways for schools aiming to make learning more inclusive:
- Adaptability is key: Robots like Alvik can be tailored to suit different skill levels and learning profiles.
- Engagement through play: Coding becomes accessible when framed as a game or creative challenge.
- Teacher confidence matters: Beginner-friendly tools empower non-technical educators to lead STEM activities.
- Collaboration benefits everyone: Group work encouraged teamwork among neurotypical students, while one-on-one sessions supported neurodivergent learners.
Early exposure has lasting impact: Introducing robotics in primary school can inspire diverse participation in STEM fields.
Ready to discover how Alvik can support inclusive learning in your classroom? Head to the store or speak to your sales rep to order yours today.