A world inhabited by little robots who lend a hand around the house, cook food and keep their grandfather company. It's not science fiction, it's reality and today these friendly beings will bake toast, go racing, invent interactive games and participate in social networks: it will happen at the Opificio Golinelli, in Bologna, where 250 boys between 15 and 18 years old will compete against each other through their super-technological friends . The youngsters will be divided into 41 teams, each equipped with a "Nao" (the robot) and will discuss the quality of the software created to give life to the various humanoids.
The Nao is a small robot with human features, designed and manufactured by Aldebaran, one of the best-known robotics companies in the world. It is the eldest of the house, designed specifically to encourage the teaching of scientific and technological subjects. He is a boy with typical “robotic” somatic traits who, thanks to his relational skills, is used for therapeutic purposes; is a pet robot, able to lend a hand even with household chores. The competition is called "Nao Challenge Italia 2015-2016" and is an annual robotics competition organized by the Golinelli Foundation, the School of Robotics and CampuStore.
“The goal – reads a note from the Foundation – is to raise awareness of the social potential of service robotics, and to motivate
students with the help of technological and innovative projects. Through programming and the development of a mechatronic system, students can create scenarios in which to optimize Nao's capabilities while taking into account his limitations: Nao can become an ideal companion and helper at home. This competition is part of the educational activities aimed at developing the spirit of initiative and taste for innovation in students, as well as scientific skills. The competition was designed together with the teachers”. The team with the best score will win a Nao. Game and learning thus become sides of the same coin and there is no doubt that, thinking of these kids, one would want to keep this medal hanging around one's neck for life.
The challenge begins at 10,30, while the award ceremony will take place around 17,30. The public can enter for free and watch, as long as there is room. There are four tests foreseen for the chef Nao:
– Nao runner (will have to run 5 meters in a straight line – will have to do it faster than the other competitors – to reach the toaster
prepare the perfect breakfast);
– Nao chef (he will have to prepare the perfect toast);
– Nao entertainer (will have to design an interactive game waiting for breakfast to be ready);
– Me & You (related to team spirit, ability to create animations, exchange ideas with the Nao community through social media
network).
