Over Coffee® is on summer hiatus as we prepare a special-edition show! Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top conversations on robotics from 2025.

Where does inspiration start?

Sometimes, it begins with an experience, which makes someone see themselves–and their future–from an exciting new perspective.

That’s the whole idea behind True Robotics.

On their website, this Worcester, Massachusetts-based startup states their mission as, “providing every student the opportunity to learn with robots, not just the top 10-20% of learners” .

True Robotics President and Founder Anthony Galgano is accomplishing that mission by providing curricula and robotics kits for students, grades K through 8.

“There (are) so many programs out there that are amazing for…the kids who are going to MIT already,” he says.

“But what I think is unique about us, is that we are focused on that other percentage, that 80 percent, and trying to get everyone exposure.”

Open doors, competitions and mini-modules

True Robotics has a multi-pronged approach to that goal.

They offer three different classroom robotics packages–Treads, Pilot and Axle, for grades K-3, 3-5. and 6-8, respectively.

For educators who don’t have the budget for robotics kits, they have free or low-cost mini modules on their website. These include a playground simulation, coding and AI lessons and machine learning fundamentals.

They welcome students for tours at their warehouse, as well as visiting schools in their local area, and showcasing their programs at conferences.

And, they host competitions! Their third annual True Robotics Competition took place approximately a month ago, according to Anthony’s LinkedIn, and was their largest one yet. Fourteen teams competed, using their problem-solving skills in events including obstacle courses, king of the hill and robot soccer.

“Getting the students to be empowered, and taking responsibility…it’s like one of the coolest things, to actually impact the students forever,” Anthony says.

Anthony talked about his background in robotics, offered a closer look at True Robotics’ robotics packages and shared his vision for the future.

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• How Anthony first discovered his passion for robotics;

• The story of True Robotics;

• How the robotics packages work, for both students and teachers;

• How robotics can engage students whose main interests are NOT math and science;

• One of the most fun ways Anthony has seen robotics inspire students;

• How one teacher went from “tech-intimidated” to robotics enthusiast after incorporating True Robotics into her classroom;

• A closer look at True Robotics’ free and low-cost “mini-units” STEM lessons;

• Some of the grant possibilities, for schools for which the robotics kits aren’t currently in their budget;

• One of the coolest things Anthony has learned about robotics, in the course of his work empowering students and educators.