Robots to soon start teaching in UK schools
10 Jan 2009
UK school teachers can soon break free from the monotony of getting pupils involved in the lessons and leave it to the robots. Humanised robots are all set to enter UK schools later this year as teachers.
The new robot teacher `MechRC', developed by researchers at the Reading University, are designed to get pupils excited about technology. The robot will be available by the end of the year.
The robot can be programmed by the students to undertake various moves from dancing to kicking a football. The developers are now working on a version suitable for schools.
"I am excited about this going into most secondary schools in the country. We need to get kids excited not just in robotics, but also in technology and maths in general. That's what the UK has traditionally been so strong in - coming up with ideas and making technology accessible. We need to educate another generation to do this," said its creator Jim Wyatt.
The battery-operated robot comes with over 100 pre-programmed moves and sounds. The robot is controlled like a video game character, making programming simple and fun.
The robot teacher, unveiled at the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas recently, costs £400.
The company is currently finalising deals with hundreds of secondary schools for the robot.