Python is often used on cellphones... which you could call an embedded system.
I think there are plenty of interesting things that could be done on a FIRST robot given a higher level programming language.
I don't think that first robots have anything interesting processing wise *yet* but there are MANY MANY things that can be done with that processing power, real time path planning with dynamics is one such thing:
http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=...&b tnG=Search
We may need better sensing to make this stuff useful, but I can definitely see that happening in 2-3 years.
the 'real-world' also uses these high level languages for prototyping purposes and sometimes even for development because they are easier and more flexible.
I think it's better to develop algorithmic thought than to get better at writing C code. High level languages let you do that without worrying about minuscule details
I disagree with the article, understanding system level details is very low on the list of things that are important for computer scientists...programmers maybe, but not serious researchers.