Meet Our Robots:

The ARES Project Educational Software Suite animates the NAO humanoid social robot to act as a bridge for children and an aid for professionals in schools, libraries, community centers and pediatric health care settings.

Aiden

Aiden is part of The ARES Project for teachers, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. The ARES Project supports IEPs and therapeutic goals for autistic children and others with special education needs. Research indicates that the use of social robots in these settings helps to engage children, increase comfort levels and foster human connection.

Aiden also supports general education in the areas of early childhood development and STEAM curriculum for all grade levels.

Pilot

Pilot Talks Propane is a five-session STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics)-based curriculum unit to educate 4th and 5th grade students regarding the value of a homegrown energy source that is environmentally-conscious, helpful to their family, and cost effective. Lead by Pilot, the interactive and engaging humanoid social robot, the lessons offer a practical guide to learning about the natural resources available to the United States and its expanding energy needs.

Each session focuses on a different topic relating to why propane is a smart and important choice for their home energy needs. Students glean insights into what each energy source (propane, natural gas, electricity) is made of, how each is stored, and financial insights comprehendible for their learning level. Lessons cover the green value of each energy source based on the number of carbon molecules, how it is stored, and its portability.