Students at the Kent Career Technical Center (KCTC) are about gain a new family member – NAO the humanoid robot. Thanks to a generous partnership, including a recent $9000 donation, with Bosch – Grand Rapids, students will soon meet NAO and begin learning to program the robot’s functions.
For teachers like Laurie Fernandez, it’s a dream-come-true. “We saw a NAO robot at a tech show and I wanted one right away for our students,” she said.
Bosch, according to its local controller Ken Reto, wanted to get involved in the local community. Bosch Human Resources leader Sylvia James suggested they get involved with the local schools – which he says, has turned into “…a great opportunity and partnership” for Bosch. Through the generosity of the Bosch Community Fund, Reto, James, Adam Bogdan and Jim Hagene recently presented the $9000 check to KISD Superintendent Kevin Konarska and KCTC Principal John Kraus.
“We are so appreciative of this business partnership and foundation,” said Superintendent Konarska. “The advisers, expertise and resources that come with these partnerships help us provide excellent STEM learning opportunities for our students.”
More about NAO
NAO is a 23′ tall humanoid robot. He is small, cute and round. He moves, recognizes his owners, hears them and even talks to them! NAO is a star in the world of education. In more than 70 countries, he has been used in computer and science classes, from primary school through to university. Thanks to NAO, students can learn programming in a fun and practical way. They can program him to walk, catch small objects and even dance, including “Gangnam Style.”
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