
NAO (SoftBank Robotics)
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Robot Name | NAO |
Company | SoftBank Robotics | Japan |
Height | 58 cm (1 ft 11 in) |
Weight | 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) |
Walking Speed | 0.6 km/h (like a 2-year-old child) |
Battery Life | 90 minutes |
Key Capabilities | 25 DoF, speech recognition in 20 languages, 2 cameras, programmable |
Primary Applications | Education, research, therapy, programming education |
Availability | Commercial (Version 6) |
Notable Features | Compact bipedal design, modular components, extensive educational resources |
Note: Details may not be current or accurate.
About NAO
SoftBank Robotics' NAO stands as the world's most widely deployed humanoid robot for education and research, with over 13,000 units operating across more than 70 countries. Standing 58 centimeters tall and weighing 5.5 kilograms, NAO combines advanced robotics with accessibility, featuring 25 degrees of freedom that enable human-like movements and interactions. The robot's sophisticated sensor suite includes two HD cameras, four directional microphones, tactile sensors, and sonar rangefinders, allowing it to recognize faces, understand speech in 20 languages, and navigate its environment autonomously. Originally developed by French company Aldebaran Robotics in 2005 and later acquired by SoftBank in 2015, NAO has become the standard platform for robotics education from elementary through university levels. Its programmable nature supports multiple programming languages including Python, C++, Java, and visual programming through Choregraphe software, making it ideal for teaching STEM concepts, conducting human-robot interaction research, and providing therapeutic support for children with special needs. With pricing starting around $7,970 for the NAO V6 model, the robot represents a breakthrough in making advanced humanoid robotics accessible to educational institutions and researchers worldwide.