NAO robot needs a name

The mission is on to find the Library’s new NAO humanoid robot a name.

Noosa Library Service has launched a competition to find the walking, talking, fully programmable robot, a new moniker.

“It’s not every day that you get a chance to name a robot,” says Library Coordinator Tracey King.

“At 58cm tall the humanoid robot is small, cute and he can be programmed to walk, catch small objects, talk, play games, read books and even dance.

“NAO’s humanoid form and incredible interactivity make the robot really endearing and loveable. And we need a name that reflects all of these qualities,” says Ms King.

It may seem like science fiction, but robots are on the rise. NAO has been used in more than 70 countries, in computer and science classes, from primary school through to university.

Noosa will be the first Australian public library service to use a NAO humanoid robot to deliver fun and practical coding and computer programming for people of all ages and capabilities.

“Our aim is to make the robot available to everyone so people have the opportunity to see 21st Century Robotics and learn coding,” Ms King said.

Coding is embedded into every technology that we use and science literacy, such as coding, is now placed alongside numeracy and language proficiency as a priority to prepare for a skilled and dynamic workforce.

Residents can suggest names via libraries@noosa.qld.gov.au or by responding via Facebook or Instagram.

The competition ends 31 August 2015.

For more information on the up-coming robotics program, go to www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 5329 6555. 

The NAO Robot was funded by the Queensland Government through State Library of Queensland’s Technology Trendsetters program and the Friends of Mill Place.

20 July 2015