Education
Our work in education focuses on practical ways robots and smart technology can support learners, teachers, and support staff. This includes helping students build confidence and independence, introducing robotics and coding in the classroom, and exploring support for neurodivergent learners.
We work with education partners and end users to understand their real needs and build the best solution for them.
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Ohbots for Teaching Robotics, Coding & AI
Robotics For Good can help schools bring robotics, coding and AI to life through practical, hands-on sessions using Ohbot educational robots.
Ohbots are expressive programmable robot heads that allow pupils to create behaviours they can see and hear, such as speech, facial expressions, movement and interactive responses. This makes computing more tangible, creative and engaging, helping learners move beyond screen-based coding into real-world robotics.
Through RFG, schools can purchase Ohbots for classroom use and access tailored workshops or lesson sessions delivered by our team.
Why use Ohbots in education?
Makes coding visible, physical and memorable
Encourages creativity, problem-solving and experimentation
Supports hands-on learning in robotics, computing and AI
Engages pupils who may not connect with traditional coding activities
Can be used across computing, STEM, storytelling, languages and creative projects
Helps schools introduce robotics in an accessible, affordable, and enjoyable way
What we can offer schools
Ohbot robot supply for classroom, club, or project-based learning
Introductory robotics workshops for pupils
Coding and AI-themed classroom sessions
Teacher support and confidence-building sessions
STEM, computing and creative technology activities
Flexible sessions for primary, secondary or SEND settings
Makes coding visible, physical and memorable
The RFG Learner App
The RFG Learner App is a custom-built application designed and developed by Robotics for Good as a fun, intuitive, empowering, and accessible platform for learners with diverse support needs. Built specifically for the temi robot, the app provides a clear and structured set of tools that help learners communicate, build independence, and engage in meaningful daily activities with staff and their peers.
Co-designed with the education, care, and therapy teams at Portland College, the app features a simple home screen with large, easy-to-access buttons, enabling learners with a wide range of cognitive, physical, or communication challenges to use it confidently.
Images show the temi home screen, RFG Learner App main menu, and messages screen
Case Study:
Enhancing Independence and Engagement with Assistive Robotics at Portland College
Background
In 2024–25, Robotics for Good C.I.C. partnered with Portland College, an Ofsted Outstanding specialist education and care provider, to explore how social and assistive robotics could help learners with complex needs build independence, confidence, and engagement in daily activities. This pioneering collaboration centred on deploying a customised temi within one of Portland’s residential settings, to understand how tailored robotic features could complement existing support and enrich learner experiences.
Co-Designing a Learner-Centred Robotic Solution
The project began with a detailed user needs analysis, including a multidisciplinary personas workshop involving Care, IT, Curriculum, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Behaviour Support. Together, we co-designed a set of robot use cases aligned to learner goals such as improving communication, supporting personal care routines, boosting social confidence, and assisting with day-to-day tasks.
Building Early Acceptance and Trust: “Party with temi”
To introduce the robot in a positive and engaging way, all residents were invited to a “Party with temi” event. The robot demonstrated games, music, favourite YouTube videos, and interactive features. Learners responded enthusiastically, engaging with quizzes, matching-pair games, and personalised playlists, showing early comfort and curiosity around using the robot.
Developing Bespoke Features and Digital Tools
Working closely with Portland staff, Robotics for Good designed and implemented a customised Learner App for Temi. Features included:
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Messaging (typed, preset, or spoken)
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Navigation to specific rooms for independent movement
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Zones of Regulation wellbeing recording
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Splint-fitting guidance videos
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Access to staff-created learning materials
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Home Screen links to music, entertainment and informational Apps and websites
Portland's IT team ensured secure Wi-Fi integration, SharePoint connectivity, and Power App support for well-being capture.
Pilot Deployment and Evaluation
The robot deployment included a risk assessment, network setup, location mapping and staff and user training. The selected learner used all of the features over the trial period. Staff found the robot reliable, safe, and straightforward to manage. temi also became a valued shared resource for group entertainment; its tiltable screen and good audio made it ideal for communal games and interactive learning sessions.
Key Insights and Learning
The project identified several important factors to inform future deployments:
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Learner selection must consider motivation for independence, particularly when an established working partnership with one-to-one carers already exists.
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Staff training and ongoing support are essential to embed the robot in daily practice.
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Content creation takes time, and staff need to be allocated time to support this, with multidisciplinary team involvement.
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Trials result in additional opportunities for use emerging. At Portland, these included virtual tours, remote class participation, and smart-home integration with Portland’s Maples smart-home facility.
Outcomes and Future Opportunities
The project demonstrated that assistive robots can be safely and effectively embedded into a residential SEND environment. Learners enjoyed the robot’s entertainment and social-interaction features, and staff gained skills and confidence in using and managing robotic technology.
This collaboration has laid strong foundations for expanding robotic support across Portland College. With broader trials, more varied use cases, and continued co-design with staff and learners, temi has shown the potential to become a valuable tool for increasing independence, supporting care teams, and advancing Portland’s leadership in innovative assistive technology.