Online robotics programs and internships provide a flexible way to develop technical skills, work on real-world projects, and collaborate with peers and mentors — all from home. Many of these opportunities are free or low-cost, making robotics more accessible to students interested in STEM. Whether you’re looking to build robots, improve your coding skills, or gain hands-on experience in automation and AI, these programs can help you build a great skill set.
Here’s a list of 8 online robotics programs + internships for high school students.
1. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Institute: Introduction to Machine Learning
Stanford’s Introduction to Machine Learning offers high school students an in-depth look into the fast-growing field of machine learning. This live, online summer course focuses on teaching advanced techniques for analyzing and interpreting large datasets.
Through hands-on projects using Python, students will learn how to preprocess and visualize data, train and test machine learning models, and evaluate algorithm performance. By the end of the program, participants will be able to select and present a final model, gaining a solid technical foundation that can support future studies in robotics, AI, and data science.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080 (financial aid available)
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 16 – June 27
- Session 2: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–11 with prior experience in a programming language and a working knowledge of statistics
2. Harvard’s CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python from Harvard provides a hands-on introduction to core AI concepts and algorithms, blending theory with practical applications. The course covers topics like graph search algorithms, reinforcement learning, and optimization, with an emphasis on how these concepts apply to robotics.
Participants will learn to program intelligent systems capable of analyzing and interacting with their environment, enabling functionalities like pathfinding and object recognition. Through real-world projects and exposure to popular machine-learning libraries, students gain valuable skills for designing AI-driven systems that can power innovations in robotics and automation.
Location: Online
Cost: Free to audit; $299 for a verified certificate
Program Dates: Self-paced (7 weeks)
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all; familiarity with Python programming required
3. How to Get Into Robotics – University of Leeds
The How to Get Into Robotics course by the University of Leeds offers an engaging introduction to the world of robotics, covering how engineering, electronics, and computer science come together to shape innovative technologies. From robots assisting in healthcare to self-driving cars and automated systems, this course explores how robotics is transforming industries and daily life.
Designed for beginners, it breaks down different career paths in the field like engineering, software development, and research. You’ll also gain insight into real-world applications, learning how robotics is used in manufacturing, space exploration, and medical technology. The self-paced format allows students to learn comfortably over three weeks, making it an accessible way to explore robotics without prior experience.
Location: Online
Cost: Free (optional paid certification)
Program Dates: Self-paced (6 hours total over 3 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all; no prior experience required
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) in Robotics
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) in Robotics offers high school students the chance to dive deep into advanced robotics topics under the guidance of a university professor. This trimester-long online program allows participants to explore areas such as robotic design, automation, artificial intelligence integration, and robotics in industry and healthcare. Students follow a structured research process — selecting a topic, developing a proposal, and completing a 20-page academic paper.
Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on learning by analyzing case studies, conducting literature reviews, and applying key concepts in robotics to real-world challenges. In addition to developing strong research and technical writing skills, students receive personalized feedback, guidance on earning external recognition for their work, and a letter of recommendation. This program is a good option for students looking to strengthen their college applications and deepen their understanding of the robotics field.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990
Program Dates: Starts March 3 (flexible start dates available for Labs)
Application Deadline: February 16 (for Spring 2025 cohort)
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students with a strong interest in robotics and academic research
5. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world.
6. Camp Tech Revolution – UCLA
Camp Tech Revolution at UCLA offers high school students a unique STEM summer camp focused on robotics, coding, 3D printing, game design, and artificial intelligence, among other fields. Developed by graduates of prestigious universities such as Harvard, Columbia, and UCLA, the camp is designed to provide students with practical skills in an engaging, fun environment.
One of the standout features of Camp Tech Revolution is its customizable curriculum, allowing students to choose from a variety of specialized courses based on their interests. Whether you’re passionate about coding in Python or Java, game design, CGI and animation, sports analytics, digital art, or STEM & medicine, there’s a course tailored to your goals. The camp’s student-focused approach caters to various experience levels, from beginner to advanced. With a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4 to 1:8, students receive personalized attention throughout their experience.
- Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. The camp is also offered in various locations across the U.S. and virtually.
- Cost: $949
- Program Dates: June 9 – August 22
- Application Deadline: Rolling (early registration recommended)
- Eligibility: Students between the ages of 6 – 16
7. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) Virtual Courses
The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) provides high school students with an opportunity to develop their technical skills through virtual and in-person summer courses focused on various STEM fields. Students must first complete a BWSI online course to be eligible for the summer program. While specific courses for 2025 have not been released, they are expected to be similar to those offered in 2024, which included autonomous cognitive assistance, microelectronics, and game development using Artificial Intelligence.
The program provides an excellent platform for students interested in expanding their knowledge in robotics, AI, and other emerging fields.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
- $1,750 for families with an income greater than $150,000
- Free for all other families
Program Dates:
- Online courses are self-paced and are typically accessible from February to December every year.
- The in-person program is held July 18 – August 4 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students of grade no greater than junior year who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or international students attending U.S. high schools.
8. Playto Labs Robotics Summer Camp for Kids
The Playto Labs Robotics Summer Camp offers an online program designed to provide students with hands-on experience in robotics, coding, and STEM education. Over 7 to 8 months, participants engage in live 1:1 classes, receiving personalized mentorship from experienced instructors. Each participant receives a robotics kit, allowing them to build, program, and test robots through practical, real-world projects.
By combining science, technology, engineering, and design, the program encourages deeper interest in STEM-related subjects.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $800 – $1,000 (includes robotics kit and live 1:1 classes)
Program Dates: Throughout the summer (7 – 8 months)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 8 – 16
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