Nao Robot

Nao is a programmable humanoid robot developed by the French robotics company Aldebaran Robotics, which later became part of SoftBank Robotics. Designed as an interactive, autonomous, and educational platform, Nao has become one of the most widely used humanoid robots in research, education, and human–robot interaction studies across the world. Its combination of advanced sensors, expressive movement, and ease of programming makes it a key tool in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics applications.

Development and Background

The development of Nao began in 2004 under the leadership of Bruno Maisonnier, founder of Aldebaran Robotics. The project aimed to create a robot capable of natural interaction with humans, combining mechanical agility with artificial intelligence.
Nao’s first public appearance came in 2006, and it gained international recognition in 2008 when it was chosen as the standard platform for the RoboCup Soccer League, replacing Sony’s AIBO robot. Subsequent models introduced enhanced sensors, improved joint control, and sophisticated software frameworks.
Over the years, several versions of Nao have been released, including:

• Nao V1 (2008) – Prototype model.
• Nao V3 (2010) – First commercial release.
• Nao Next Gen (2011) – Enhanced vision and computational power.
• Nao Evolution (2014) – Upgraded sensors and software.
• Nao6 (2018) – Latest version with improved performance and connectivity under SoftBank Robotics.

Design and Physical Features

Nao stands approximately 58 cm tall, weighs about 5.4 kilograms, and has 25 degrees of freedom (DoF), allowing it to mimic a wide range of human movements.
Key design features include:

• Head: Equipped with cameras, microphones, and a speaker system for vision and speech interaction.
• Torso: Contains a central processing unit (CPU), battery, and gyroscope for balance and control.
• Limbs: Articulated arms and legs capable of gestures, walking, sitting, and even dancing.
• Hands: With functional fingers for gripping lightweight objects.

Sensors and Components:

• Cameras: Two high-definition cameras (top and bottom) for facial and object recognition.
• Microphones: Four directional microphones for voice recognition and sound localisation.
• Sonar and Infrared sensors: For distance measurement and obstacle detection.
• Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): Consisting of accelerometers and gyroscopes for orientation and stability.
• Touch Sensors: Located on the head, hands, and feet for tactile feedback.

Software and Programming

Nao’s software architecture is based on NAOqi, a modular operating system that controls its movements, perception, and communication capabilities. The robot supports multiple programming languages, making it suitable for learners at various levels of expertise.
Supported programming environments:

• Choregraphe: A graphical programming interface that allows users to drag and drop functions to create behaviours and animations without coding experience.
• Python and C++: For advanced programming and integration with AI algorithms.
• ROS (Robot Operating System): For research applications involving robotics frameworks and simulations.
• SDKs (Software Development Kits): Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.

Capabilities:

• Speech Recognition and Synthesis: Nao can understand spoken commands and reply using natural-sounding speech in multiple languages.
• Computer Vision: Facial recognition, object tracking, and colour detection through its cameras.
• Motion Control: Capable of walking, sitting, standing, gesturing, and performing complex choreographed movements.
• Autonomy: Can make decisions based on sensory input and pre-programmed behaviour trees.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Ethernet support for communication with other systems and cloud platforms.

Applications

Nao has become a versatile platform used in a wide range of sectors, including education, research, healthcare, and entertainment.
1. Education and Learning

• Widely used in universities, schools, and robotics clubs to teach programming, robotics, AI, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.
• Interactive and engaging, it helps students visualise abstract concepts through hands-on experimentation.

2. Research and Development

• Serves as a platform for studies in human–robot interaction (HRI), machine learning, emotion recognition, and cognitive science.
• Used in robotics competitions such as RoboCup and academic projects involving navigation, vision, and adaptive learning.

3. Healthcare and Therapy

• Deployed in hospitals and care facilities for autism therapy and elderly care.
• Its friendly appearance and interactive behaviour make it effective for improving communication and social skills among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

4. Customer Interaction and Service

• Used in public spaces such as banks, museums, and exhibitions to provide information, guidance, and entertainment.
• Often paired with Pepper, another SoftBank robot, in customer engagement roles.

5. Entertainment and Social Robotics

• Performs dances, storytelling, and games, making it popular in exhibitions and educational demonstrations.

Technical Specifications (Nao6 Model)

Advantages

• Highly interactive: Human-like design promotes natural communication.
• Educational value: Encourages programming and robotics learning across age groups.
• Customisable software: Supports open-source development and cross-platform integration.
• Versatile use cases: Applicable in education, research, and social contexts.
• Community support: Large developer and academic community contributes to software and behavioural libraries.

Limitations

• High cost: Advanced technology makes it expensive for small institutions.
• Limited strength and speed: Not designed for heavy-duty or industrial tasks.
• Battery constraints: Requires frequent recharging for prolonged use.
• Dependence on controlled environments: Functions best in stable lighting and uncluttered surroundings.

Significance and Impact

Nao has played a pioneering role in the evolution of social and educational robotics. Its ability to express emotions, understand speech, and interact meaningfully with humans bridges the gap between machines and social learning. By making robotics accessible to learners and researchers worldwide, Nao has contributed significantly to advancements in artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and human–robot communication.