A French robotics company is putting advanced humanoid robots into a number of classrooms around the world, according to Technological Horizons in Education Journal. The robot, which gained notoriety first for assisting grammar school-level English classes in South Korea, has great potential for students at higher levels interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
As educational technology continues to improve, classrooms will typically integrate devices like an interactive whiteboard, tablet computer or HDMI projector. Interactive robots, on the other hand, are relatively new to the classroom technology scene, but the source noted that they present a distinct benefit to students in STEM fields.
Bruno Maisonnier, the CEO of the company that developed and built the robot used in South Korean and in some high schools in the United States, said that it represents a unique opportunity to connect established principles with actual, real-world use. While the robot is primarily a tool used to introduce the basics of robotics, it can also show mathematical and engineering theory in practice.
Some experts, Maisonnier among them, have noted the possibility that robot tutors may be well suited to instruct special needs students, especially those with autism.
