<< Background >>Robotics is already the key driver of competitiveness and flexibility in large scale manufacturing industries and, more importantly, is becoming more relevant for smaller manufacturing industries. However, one of the main factors jeopardising its implementation is related to safety and security, especially in those cases where robots interact with humans. Robotics lacks skilled workforce, and not all European countries even have robotics in their VET-curricula. On one hand, In Denmark, moving towards 2030 it is estimated a potential of 90.000 – 150.000 jobs directly linked to development and implementation of automation technology. If we however continue the current education pattern, we will only have 70.000 – 80.000 with the enough educational background to fill those jobs (Automatiseringens effekter på det danske arbejdsmarked, McKinsey & Company 2017). On the other hand, VET-schools experience challenges in finding skilled teachers of robotics. It makes a lot of sense to join forces in offering learning environments to learners, in enriching teaching, in developing of teaching and learning content, and in sharing of knowhow amongst teachers.A third point is the importance of soft skills in current, fast changing working life. Mr Antti Manu, Docent from University of Turku in Finland has carried out a study in which about 350 experts in Finnish working life gave their views on the working life skills they require of students graduating from VET-schools. Only about one in four respondents emphasised work technology skills and other content expertise. The student's ability to direct his/her own activities and attach to the working group, as well as other social and interaction skills, was much more important. Similar results have been obtained in numerous domestic and international studies. Robocup addresses this point in the chosen methodology of MicroChallenges, to enhance and support the development of student’s soft skills combined with learning and practicing on safety in robotics.<< Objectives >>The objective is to increase the knowledge and skills of VET students enrolled in robotics -related VET-programs:- Being aware of robot related hazards and being able to identify and mitigate them- Understanding basic safety guidelines for robotic applications- Identifying key elements related to robot safety- Applying provisions of safety standards in different operations with robots (design and manufacturing, programming, maintenance, and machine communication)- Enhancing soft skills relevant to working life (e.g. problem solving, teamwork, presentation skills, English communication, time management) The adaption of VET education for the labour market needs is our driver. 10 VET -teachers from 4 European countries will work together in developing of four MicroChallenges related to safety in robotics: Get a grip! Test for succes! Play safe! and Better together! The MicroChallenges will be tested in collaborative challenges in transnational groups of students. In doing so, the involved teachers and students network and share their expertise and learn from each other. Companies are involved in the content design and in giving feedback.A Manual on how to run the MicroChallenges in safety in robotics is produced, making it possible for institutions and organisations outside the partnership to run these or similar MicroChallenges. Video tutorials and testimonials will help to grasp the content and the method.The adaption of VET education for the labourmarket and at the same time make VET an attractive choice to the young will be our aim in this project.<< Implementation >>The project will have four major activities - the four MicroChallenges related to safety in robotics: MicroChallenge 1. “Get a grip”. Safety regarding design and manufacturing (pneumatic, 3D printed gripper) MicroChallenge 2. “Test for success”. Test a gripper on a robot, design a robot fence (mechanical, electrical) MicroChallenge 3. “Play safe!”. Safety during PLC programming (laser scanner, sensors) MicroChallenge 4. “Better together”. Integration with external equipment, collaborative robotics The MicroChallenges will be planned, implemented and assessed during 4 blended mobility activities where a total of 64 VET students will participate in a collaborative challenge in order to solve each of the challenges proposed in safety in robotics. A company representative will also be invited to participate in the evaluation team during each collaborative challenge.<< Results >>A manual on how to teach safety in robotics through the MicroChallenges - complete with homepage and videos will be the main results of the project. The exchange of approaches to robotics, expertise of VET teachers and equipment available in the partner-VET-schools will help develope competences of the teachers involved and to integrate new contents on robotic programs related to safety, giving a more comprehensive approach to the subject. Attention will also be given to describe the soft skills development via the MicroChallenge -method in international studentteams, e.g. teamwork, problem solving, and communicating in English. In the long term, the project will contribute to a higher relevance, reputation and attractiveness of the VET sector and to its internationalization as well as to develop changing skills needed and thereby improve employability of students in robotics and the availability of skilled workers for companies.