Robotics centre launches collective to teach students about STEM
By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Caution Tape Robotics is launching the GTA Robotics Collective today to teach high school and university students several technological skills and allow them to further STEM education for other students.
Students will get to learn skills in AI, programming, engineering, marketing, content creation, or organizational strategy through volunteer or internship programs.
The collective will feature four internship programs. Ahilan Vignesawaramoorthy, community engagement director from Caution Tape Robotics, said that interns could spend up to 20 hours a week for projects – akin to a part-time job – but they can also complete many tasks at home.
Software and automation interns will use coding and AI to control robots. Mechanical and fabrication interns will utilize 3D printers, CNC machines, and software to build robot parts. Media and branding interns will create photo, video, and other social media content to support the collective. Sponsorship and strategy interns will reach out to potential partners and track events.
The collective will also provide volunteer positions to anyone else who is interested. These positions only require a minimum of around four hours per week and will involve workshop and event assistance, as well as mentoring and community outreach.
Vignesawaramoorthy said that students who contribute to the collective will not only learn industry-specific skills, but also soft skills valuable for everyday life. He added that, unlike Caution Tape Robotics, the collective will be more self-directed, allowing students to grow their independent learning and confidence skills.
“They are so passionate about the value of what they’re learning and what they’re doing,” he said about his students.
Vignesawaramoorthy said that Caution Tape Robotics created the collective to provide more STEM learning opportunities across the GTA. According to him, traditional high schools are not doing enough to adapt to AI and other new technologies.
“We do have people from all across the GTA, from all the way in like South Scarborough…,” he said. “So, you get such a variety of different people who are coming in, and they see the value in these programs.”
Caution Tape Robotics is an educational centre that teaches kids and teenagers skills in robotics, coding, and technology. The company also manages robotics teams to help students build robots for international competitions.
MPP Billy Pang awarded four teams at the Shining Stars Festival in June for their achievements in the 2025 Vex World Championships.
To sign up for the GTA Robotics Collective, head to gtaroboticscollective.ca.
Photo: Students from Caution Tape Robotics demonstrate a machine that they constructed for the 2025 Vex World Championships at the Shining Stars Festival. (David Yin photo)