Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Academy (CMRA) develops robotics and STEM education programs that prepare learners for careers in advanced manufacturing and automation.

CMRA’s SMART Robotics Technician Pre-apprenticeship Program is a Pennsylvania-registered program that builds the foundational Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs) needed for robotics technicians. Developed with input from industry, SMART includes five stackable micro-certifications: Electrical, Mechanical, Fabrication, Software, and Robotics Integration. Graduates can transition into apprenticeships, earn college credit, or move directly into the workforce.

Building on SMART, CMRA also offers pathways such as Applied AI and Robotics, focused on hands-on experience with robotic systems using AI, and Robot Operations, which uses drones to teach operator-maintainer skills.

CMRA’s broader mission is to leverage robotics to expand CS-STEM learning opportunities. Using a train-the-trainer model, CMRA supports educators worldwide through online and in-person professional development delivered via our custom CS-STEM Network (CS2N) platform.

Since 2000, CMRA has created dozens of robotics curricula using platforms like LEGO SPIKE Prime, VEX, Arduino, and Jetson Nano, and developed educational robotics games and simulations used by over 4 million learners.

CMRA’s work serves K-12 educators, CTE programs, adult learners, and U.S. military training initiatives, all united by the goal of empowering the next generation of robotics and automation professionals.