Several weeks ago, Aldebaran Robotics released the NAO Next Gen, the most advanced humanoid robot in mainstream use. The NAO isn’t a toy you’ll find gracing the underskirts of Christmas trees. It was designed with a purpose much greater than entertainment: learning.
As the term ‘humanoid robot’ suggests, there is a learning aspect to NAO’s processing makeup. It’s not like you’re programming the software that determines the actions of the robot, it’s more intuitive than that. Its process is to experience then adapt, not to set by programing. Facial, object and vocal recognition software enable NAO to be programmed through interaction, the same way people learn. The idea is that NAO will be useful in a number of settings like classrooms and labs, as well as a beneficial interactive tool for people with autism.
Let’s take a look at the specs:
1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU
57 cm tall
2 HD cameras
Sonar Rangefinder
4 microphones
9 tactile sensors
8 pressure sensors
Utilizes complex Linux and NAOqi (Aldebaran’s proprietary) software
Versed in 8 languages
NAO can pick out specific words in a sentence, trip over something and get back up, spot a hazard in its path and avoid it. The Software Development Kit (SDK) allows you to go in and embed specific behaviors into the modules of your unit as well.
These features make it sort of an extremely advanced and capable blank slate. The nature of interacting with this kind of robot is ideal for computer science, software development, mathematics and many other unknown areas where it will be useful to have a way to connect theory and practice via physical and tactile expression. Universities are jumping on the opportunity to equip their computer labs with a brand new NAO. Studies in social sciences will derive a great deal of new and viable information from the next few years of data and trends resulting from working with NAO, hopefully leading to new discoveries in the field.
Alderbaran openly stated when they released the NAO that one of their primary intentions with their company is to ‘contribute to humankind’s overall wellbeing.’ We will surely see the results of those intentions as NAO makes its mark on the science of technology and the understanding of humanity.
Author’s Biography: Ryan writes about technology trends and researches how to get Dell coupons for deals.