A guide to what the programme means, who can apply, its benefits, and the participating schools
uae3 hours ago
Blinking its blue eyes and moving its head across the room, the robot makes use of high-definition cameras to see people. A simple tap on its head brings the humanoid to life as it stands up on its feet.
“Give me the pen,” says NAO as it opens its hand in response to a gesture. Grasping the pen with its fingers, the robot represents human-like features in more than one way.
At 22 inches, NAO is a fully programmable humanoid robot which can see, hear, speak, move, walk, dance, and even play soccer. Performing synchronised dance moves at popular technology shows and events, it is fast gaining popularity with students and researchers.
“Ten years ago, people did not believe that computers would be an instrumental component of the teaching process, compared with today where a wide variety of technologies are incorporated in to the 21st century classroom,” said Bruno Maisonnier, CEO of Aldebaran Robotics.
High-school students in Germany are already using the humanoid to learn mechanics and mathematics by programming and simulating NAO. In France, 15- to 18-year-old use the robot to understand psychology and informatics.
“In the coming years, robotics will be as important to classrooms as computers are today. All future engineers, scientists and researchers in applied sciences will benefit from learning with and about robotics,” added Maisonnier.
Flexing its hands and legs to perform complicated dance moves, NAO is quick to capture the attention of onlookers with its friendly appearance. The latest generation of NAOs can even charge themselves by walking towards a pod and sitting there.
More than 1,500 units have already been sold worldwide. Makers of the humanoid hope to sell a few hundred units for educational purposes in the UAE and other Gulf countries. “This is the future of education and we are going to see a robotic revolution very soon. NAO presents schools and universities in the Middle East with new avenues to improve the learning experience for students,” said Pascal Morel, area sales manager for Aldebaran Robotics.
An online community of educators, researchers and professors exchange ideas to enhance the capabilities of the humanoid on a daily basis. New applications are constantly being discovered in areas beyond robotics, including treating children with autism.
Students at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi are already using the humanoids to work with autistic children. In a few weeks, the first shipment of humanoids will make their presence at other educational institutes in the UAE.
Developed by Aldebaran Robotics and powered by Intel Atom technology, the device presents itself as a door to futuristic education. Complete with WiFi connectivity and internal memory, the sensory functions and movement of the humanoid offer a sneak peek into the future classroom. —muaz@khaleejtimes.com
A guide to what the programme means, who can apply, its benefits, and the participating schools
uae3 hours ago
Pogacar says his current form feels good enough to carry him to a rare cycling double as he chases victory in the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France
sports3 hours ago
Islamabad High Court will hear appeals against conviction of Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in £190M NCA settlement reference on May 21
world3 hours ago
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Monday applied for arrest warrants on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity
world3 hours ago
Archer likely to feature in the first T20 against Pakistan
cricket3 hours ago
In the 152 Premier League matches City have played across the last four seasons, they have recorded 112 victories with just 17 defeats, racking up 372 goals
football4 hours ago
The former president's party urges supporters to remain calm and go out to vote on May 29
africa4 hours ago
Gold jewellery shoppers in Dubai usually opt for a wait-and-watch approach when prices hit record peaks
markets4 hours ago