The regular classrooms of today are steadily evolving into technologically-fueled learning environments. Several learning apps like Kahoot are being introduced and other affordable technologies, like Google Cardboard, that introduce VR into the classroom. Technology continues to make its way into schools, and it will soon become a core part of the learning experience. 

One of the more high-tech introductions to the classroom are robots. In this article, we’re going to explore how robots are currently being used in classrooms, and we will see what they hold for the future of education. Read on to learn more. 

Edison For Ages 4 – 16

Edison, used mostly in Australia, is a small, powerful, programmable robot that introduces STEM into the classroom. It also helps familiarize students with coding from a young age. It is an excellent tool for engagement, looks like a miniature car, and works with LEGO bricks. 

Edison comes with four levels of programming that are suited for different age brackets. Barcodes is used for ages 4-6, EdBlocks for ages 7-12, EdWare for ages 11-13, and EdPy for ages 13-26.

Edison must be connected to the teacher’s computer or tablet to be used so that the pre-loaded programs can be run. You can also start loading programs that are created by students using any of the languages mentioned above. 

Milo For Ages 5 – 17

Also called the Robot Kid, Milo is an interactive robot that teaches and engages children with autism. It is the next generation of therapy for children with autism, as it helps grab their attention, improve their ability for “normal” interaction, and develop their social skills. 

Milo makes use of a camera to read the facial expressions of the students it interacts with. It can make conversation and help them relax, as well. Students interact with Milo using a tablet, and there is always a facilitator present. 

Milo teaches social skills, communication skills, appropriate social behavior, and how to self-motivate. 

Pepper For Ages 5 – 12

Pepper is the first humanoid robot ever to sense principal human emotions and adapt its behavior to accommodate these emotions. It was designed as a companion that can communicate with students intuitively, and it can also remember the individual personality traits of those it interacts with. 

The Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore launched an initiative that allowed elementary schools to use Pepper in their classrooms. Pepper teaches lessons in sounds, understanding emotions, recycling, landmarks, and more. 

Schools that used Pepper in the classroom reported noticeable improvements in their students’ creativity, social skills, and classroom interactions. Pepper positively impacted students and their ability to learn new things creatively. 

Concluding Thoughts

Although these robots are still not able to work independently, they can certainly reduce the human effort required for teaching. Machine Learning and AI are technologies of the future and the present, and advancements are being made every day toward creating the perfect Artificial Intelligence.