Image source: Movia Robotics
In 2008, SoftBank Robotics released a revolutionary humanoid robot with an unusual
talent; it can teach students. SoftBank developed NAO as a programmable, personal teaching assistant for enhanced learning engagement. Far from being limited in scope, the NAO is capable of helping students of all ages and abilities. Let’s find out more about NAO and what makes it unique compared to other robots.
Introducing NAO
NAO is a humanoid robot first discovered and developed in France. Through integrated software, it is fully programmable to interact with humans. It can participate in social interactions, recognize faces, answer questions, play music, grab an object, even play soccer, and more.
This humanoid robot resembles a human with a head, torso, face with eyes and mouth, two arms, and two legs. It has microphones, sensors, and cameras, allowing it to hear, see, and communicate with humans. The NAO robot even comes in a compact size (about 58 cm / 23 in)!
NAO Robot For Education
The innovative NAO robot is utilized for robot-assistive learning, acting as a playful educational assistant and companion. It is ideal for both regular and special education programs for children. Children of all ages and abilities are known to prefer interacting with robots and can even view NAO as a social being. The robot assists in teaching learners to meet lesson objectives. It facilitates the content delivery process through its visual, audial, and movement capabilities. Students can learn lessons, participate in role-playing, and play educational games. Teacher facilitators can tailor instruction to individual student needs and track their progress.
Functions and technical characteristics of NAO:
• 25 degrees of freedom to move and adapt to the environment
• 7 touch sensors located in the head, hands, and feet
• 4 directional microphones and speakers
• Speech recognition and dialogue available in 20 languages
• 2 2D cameras to recognize shapes, objects, and people
• Open and fully programmable platform
For Regular Education
Students discover the magic of learning with humanoid robotic-assisted instruction when they engage with the NAO. They develop skills while having fun. Programming the NAO robot is simple. All you need to do is use the appropriate software and select lessons based on student needs.
For Special Education
The NAO robot helps children with learning differences, such as those with autism. NAO allows children with special needs to participate in robot-assisted instruction individually or with a group. The robot can repeat the exercises or games as often as necessary. This robot has a non-judgmental personality that helps students reduce their shyness, reluctance, and frustration and boost their self-confidence, social skills, and self-esteem.
Learning to Use the NAO Robot for Robot-Assisted Instruction
The software for using the NAO for Robot-Assisted Instruction is sophisticated, yet quite simple to use! MOVIA experts are available to train each of their customers so that they can personalize learning experiences for their students/children.
Learn more about NAO Robot with RobotLAB!
By going through the process of building a robot in the classroom, students explore many different robotics & STEM learning pathways.
Click below and find out different STEM solutions.
