Educational Robotics For Teaching Automation: Flower Classification Prototype With Lego Mindstorms

Industrial automation has become a key factor in improving productivity and safety in sectors dominated by repetitive tasks, such as floriculture. Likewise, educational robotics provides an innovative path to bring these concepts closer to students, linking theory and practice through active learning experiences.

This work presents the development of a robotic prototype for flower classification, built with LEGO Mindstorms EV3 and applied under the STEAM methodology in a workshop with Industrial Engineering students. The prototype, designed as a mobile cart with a mechanical gripper and a color sensor, allows the identification and classification of flowers in three tones, simulating an automated production process. The experience was carried out in a six-hour workshop, structured in phases of construction, programming, testing, and reflection.

To measure the educational impact, a 10-item Likert questionnaire was applied to 18 students, covering three dimensions: automation and robotics, STEAM, and ergonomics. The results show high ratings in all areas. In automation and robotics, understanding of programming logic was rated 4.8 out of 5, while interaction between sensors and motors obtained 4.7, showing solid assimilation of technical concepts. In the STEAM dimension, interdisciplinary integration reached 4.9, reflecting that students valued creative and applied learning. Finally, in safety and ergonomics, scores of 4.8 and 4.9 confirm that the prototype enabled visualization of how automation contributes to reducing occupational risks and improving productivity.

These findings show that the prototype not only functions as an industrial simulator but also consolidates itself as a replicable educational tool, capable of reinforcing automation learning, fostering interdisciplinarity, and raising awareness among future engineers about the importance of safety in productive processes.