Kandoora-clad robots dance to Abdullah’s Razfa tunes

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Kandoora-clad robots dance to Abdullah’s Razfa tunes

Abu Dhabi Education Council's exhibit at Global Education Forum in Dubai impresses visitors

By Muaz Shabandri/staff Reporter

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Published: Thu 26 Feb 2015, 1:38 AM

Last updated: Thu 25 Jun 2015, 10:29 PM

Dubai - It was the turn of three Emirati robots to entertain guests on the first day of Global Education Forum in Dubai on Tuesday. Created by 16-year old Abdullah Al Daheri, the robots impressed visitors with their dance moves.

“It took me one week to make this robot and programme all the dance moves. Right now, the robot can dance for a full day,” the young creator told Khaleej Times.

Amused visitors stopped by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) exhibit to pose for pictures with the robots as they performed the Razfa dance.

“Originally I wanted to make a robot which played football. However, I changed the plan to make something more traditional,” said Abdullah.

Wearing a miniature Kandoora, the robots are an example of how public school students are being encouraged to explore programing and coding.

“I will try to attempt programing different traditional dances and make the robots bigger very soon. Everyone loves tradition and this is something unique. I guess that’s why people have enjoyed them so much,” he said.

Making the robot was easy for Abdullah but he says dressing up the robot in Emirati attire was a big challenge.

Abdullah Al Daheri with his robot. — KT photo by Shihab

“I had to improvise a lot. Making the head and putting an agal around it was very difficult. I ended up cutting a small portion of tennis ball and sticking it to the upper portion to support the headgear. It looks good after all the hard work.”

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of School Operations Sector at Adec was impressed with the creativity of students. “This is the first time I have seen something like this and it makes me proud of our students. These students are learning to experiment and bring their ideas to life,” said the senior official.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com


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