Guest editorial: Intelligent robotics in STEM education: Pedagogical innovation, higher-order thinking, and interdisciplinary competence

This guest editorial presents a special issue wherein intelligent robotics and pedagogical innovation converge to advance higher-order thinking and interdisciplinary competence in STEM education. The 11 collected articles are organized around five thematic strands: (1) cultivating cognitive and higher-order thinking skills through innovative pedagogies; (2) implementing innovative assessment strategies; (3) fostering motivation and attitudes; (4) enhancing teacher education and research methods. The evidence presented across these studies positions intelligent robotics as a transformative force, capable of structuring learning environments,through inquiry-based and game-based approaches, that develop crucial capabilities in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This issue constitutes a valuable resource for stakeholders, providing robust, evidence-based frameworks to inform the strategic integration of robotics into STEM education and shape more adaptive, inclusive, and forward-looking educational paradigms.