News
Where in Wellesley Are the Robots? The WFL, of course!
Posted on August 4, 2016
The Wellesley Free Library is excited to announce the arrival of two NAO Robots. What, you ask, is an NAO robot?
NAO’s are programmable humanoid robots used in STEM education, designed to teach computer coding. Their user-friendly demeanor encourages curiosity and a passion for figuring out “how,” “why,” and “what if.” These hi-tech ambassadors bring digital literacy to life! The library was fortunate to receive a grant from the WFL Foundation to acquire these unique teaching tools. The robots will make their official debut on Saturday, September 17th. Before they can make their debut, they need names!
They have been out and about in Wellesley, getting to know their new home, and searching for names. From August 4th through September 9th, the library is holding a robot-naming contest. Entry forms are available at the Main Library, Hills Branch or Fells Branch and online at #nametherobots. Maybe your entry will be inspired by a cherished children’s book like Henry and Mudge. Or perhaps a movie — Thelma and Louise? Even favorite foods (Peanut Butter and Jelly) can influence you. Whatever your inspiration, the library needs your name suggestions!
Classes for adults, teens and children on how to program the robots with Choregraphe begin this fall. Choregraphe is an easy to learn software application that allows people to program complex behaviors without writing a single line of code. On Demo Days, patrons will have an opportunity to interact with the robots, see them walk, talk, and even dance. Future outreach and learning activities with the robots will include training teachers to use ASK NAO, a special software package that programs the robots in a way that engages children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and autism.
You never know where in Wellesley the robots will be next! Follow their naming journey on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. Remember to enter the naming contest and save the date for the celebration on September 17th at 2 PM in the Wakelin Room.