# CAREER: Supporting Professional Formation of Robotics Engineers through a Human-Centered Design Approach

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL) · $649,676

## Abstract

The future of the engineering and technology workforce will rely on robotics engineers to aid in unleashing ground breaking discoveries and translational solutions to the nation’s greatest challenges. Robots developed through a human-centered design approach have a focus on the end user and designs to best meet their needs. Soft robots describe those electro-mechanical devices made from low-modulus materials that can safely interact with people for a variety of applications. Soft robotics innovation sits at the nexus of advances in materials, automation, and biotechnology. Current strategies to attract K12 students to robotics-aligned engineering majors and careers are not equipped to meet the needs of the future workforce. This project will aim to deliver new curriculum for students to develop their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) talent by embedding a curricular strand of human-centered soft robotics throughout science courses in high school. This project will study the implementation of a design-based curriculum and the opportunities it creates for students to design solutions to challenges relevant to the United States and its people to increase engagement in engineering. By centering end users, we can reveal for students that robotics requires a multidisciplinary approach and can align with personal goals to advance the national health, prosperity and welfare. Given the intentional partnership with high schools in rural, suburban and urban schools, our 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2541364
- **Awardee organization:** University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** Y8CWNJRCNN91
- **PI:** Holly M Golecki
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, EDUCATION RESEARCH, ENGINEERING EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $649,676
- **Funds obligated:** $649,676
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2541364

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2541364, CAREER: Supporting Professional Formation of Robotics Engineers through a Human-Centered Design Approach. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2541364. Licensed CC0.

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