Educational Robotics in Engineering Education: A Systematic Literature Review 2020–2025

Abstract

Educational robotics has emerged as a key pedagogical tool in engineering education between 2020 and 2025. This research aimed to examine the academic literature on the use of educational robots in undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. The methodology of this study applies a PRISMA systematic review to analyze 30 relevant studies, identified through searches in seven academic databases. The results show sustained growth in publications, with a moderate positive effect on learning. The most common uses are educational kits (LEGO, mBot), mobile robots, and low-cost systems, primarily at the undergraduate level. Improvements in computational thinking, programming, design, collaborative work, and motivation are reported, supported by pedagogical approaches such as constructivism and project-based learning. Educational robotics is found to be effective for developing technical and soft engineering skills, but limitations exist, such as the lack of longitudinal and graduate studies. It is recommended to incorporate frameworks such as CDIO and explore new platforms associated with Industry 4.0.