Robot about more than just fun and games

There were plenty of amused children at the Australasian launch of robot Nao 6 at a New Zealand...
There were plenty of amused children at the Australasian launch of robot Nao 6 at a New Zealand International Science Festival event in Dunedin yesterday. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON
It sings, it dances, it keeps children entertained, but Nao 6 is no mere toy.

The machine, created by Shanghai company SoftBank Robotics and receiving its Australasian launch as part of the New Zealand International Science Festival, is a teaching tool that can be used by universities and primary schools alike.

``This is an entry-level platform,'' SoftBank area sales manager Alix Chen said.

``People think it is very cute, and we have designed a very simple programming software so you can control the robot without touching coding, but also if you are a researcher or a professor you can use it to do many more complex things.''

While it has a serious aim, there is no denying Nao 6 is a heap of fun, too.

All the robot's festival events, including a special session for families at Innov8 HQ, sold out.

mike.houlahan@odt.co.nz

For more information and upcoming events click HERE

 

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