THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STEM ROBOTIC DEVELOPMENT WITH MOBILE APPLICATION CONTROL TO TRAIN STUDENTS' COLLABORATIVE SKILLS

ABSTRACT Background: This paper presents the development and implementation of a transporter robot as part of an international collaborative STEM learning program between Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) and Kumamoto University. Objectives: The project aimed to enhance student engagement and technical competencies by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application in robotics, wireless communication, and mobile programming. Methodology: The collaboration adopted a hybrid model in which students from UNESA focused on designing and assembling the robot’s mechanical structure and on-board control system, while students from Kumamoto University developed the mobile application and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication interface to enable real-time wireless control. Results: Testing results showed that the student- developed transporter robots successfully completed the designed obstacle course with more than 90% success, demonstrating both the technical feasibility of the system and the effectiveness of the applied STEM learning approach. Conclusion: These findings confirm that robotics-based learning can strengthen problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary collaboration skills. Furthermore, the project provides a scalable educational model that supports interactive learning and cross-institutional collaboration, offering valuable insights for future STEM education initiatives.