News
“Can we come in yet . . . ?”
Posted on August 7, 2016
“Can we come in yet . . . ?”
The WFL NAO robots are eager to come in to their new home! As we prepare the library to welcome them, we need your help: they need names!
Until September 9 the WFL is holding a naming contest for our two robots. Entry submissions can be made online at #nametherobots or by stopping by the circulation desks in the Main Library, Hills Branch, or Fells Branch any time! The winning names will be announced on September 17 at a naming celebration where the robots will be officially introduced to the public.
In the meantime, librarians are working with the robots to make sure they’re ready to showcase all they can do. They can be programmed to move around, dance, or “read” a story. They may say a few words in one of the 19 languages they speak. After their official welcome party you’ll be able to learn how to program and interact with them yourselves through robot classes for children, teens, and adults beginning in September.
Using an easy “drop and drag” computer application called Choregraphe, the user-friendly robots are designed to encourage a healthy
curiosity and to aid in STEM education. Not sure you want to learn to program?
You’ll still be able to see and interact with them on Demo Days.
Many thanks to the Wellesley Free Library Foundation and the guests at the 2016 Foundation Gala who through their generosity made the purchase of the NAO robots possible. While the robots are preparing for their welcome party in September, you can check out the library’s Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter for all things robots!