In early 2025, St Andrews introduced the VEX CTE Workcell as part of the IGCSE Computer Science curriculum, an innovative educational tool designed to teach students how robotics is used in real-world concepts in industries such as manufacturing and automotive engineering.
Over the past few months, Mathias and Mikkii in Year 11 have been working closely with Mr. Rob on a research project to show how automation works using robot arms, conveyor belts, and pneumatics.
Since the VEX CTE Workcell wasn’t quite ready when it arrived, this project helped to program the Workcell, so that it is ready to be part of future IGCSE Computer Science modules aiding students on how their code can work with actual hardware.
Mathias applied his Design Technology skills to develop a solution by custom-designing key components in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and 3D printing them to enhance VEX CTE Workcell’s functionality and reliability.
With Mr. Rob’s guidance, the students transformed the Workcell into a miniature assembly line, just like the ones used in today’s modern factories. Using robotics to control logic and workflow, critical decisions were made about sensor placement, and even designing new containers to hold and sort objects.
Watch Mathias’s interview sharing his experience programming the VEX CTE Workcell.
