Robot about more than just fun and games

IT sings, it dances, it keeps children entertained, but Nao 6 is no mere toy.

The machine, created by Shanghai company SoftBank Robotics and receiving its Australasian launch as part of the New Zealand International Science Festival, is a teaching tool that can be used by universities and primary schools alike.

‘‘This is an entrylevel platform,’’ SoftBank area sales manager Alix Chen said.

‘‘People think it is very cute, and we have designed a very simple programming software so you can control the robot without touching coding, but also if you are a researcher or a professor you can use it to do many more complex things.’’

While it has a serious aim, there is no denying Nao 6 is a heap of fun, too.

All the robot’s festival events, including a special session for families at Innov8 HQ, sold out.

PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON Show time . . . There were plenty of amused children at the Australasian launch of robot Nao 6 at a New Zealand International Science Festival event in Dunedin yesterday.