Seoul has started trialling pint-sized robots as teaching aids in kindergartens -- a pilot project the city government said would help prepare the next generation for a hi-tech future.
AFP
November 25, 2021 / 14:04 IST
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Seoul has started trialling pint-sized robots as teaching aids in kindergartens -- a pilot project the city government said would help prepare the next generation for a hi-tech future. (Image: AFP)
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The "Alpha Mini" is just 24.5 centimetres tall and can dance, lead sing-a-longs, recite stories and even teach kung-fu moves as children mimic its push-ups and one-legged balances. (Image: AFP)
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"The robots help with the kids' creativity," teacher Byun Seo-yeon told AFP during a visit to the bright and busy Maru nursery in Seoul. (Image: AFP)
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The robot's eyes wink and blink -- and its pupils become heart-shaped during conversation. (Image: AFP)
With a camera on its helmet, it takes photos that are instantly sent to a tablet for viewing. (Image: AFP)
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"In the future, knowing how to manage AI and related tools will be very important," Han Dong-seog, from the Seoul government's childcare division, told AFP. (Image: AFP)
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The robots are being trialled in 300 Seoul nurseries and childcare centres, with the government recommending the programme for children aged three to five. (Image: AFP)
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"We believe having this experience in nursery schools will have a lasting effect throughout their youth and as adults," Han said. (Image: AFP)
The Alpha Mini has been adopted as part of a daily schedule for the class of four- to five-year-old students at Maru, with its ability to "fart" on command being a highlight during playtime. (Image: AFP)
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"When I tell it to sing, it sings well. I tell it to dance and we dance together," said five-year-old Lee Ga-yoon. (Image: AFP)
![The "Alpha Mini" is just 24.5 centimetres tall and can dance, lead sing-a-longs, recite stories and even teach kung-fu moves as children mimic its push-ups and one-legged balances. (Image: AFP)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2021/11/10-seoul-school-robot.jpg "The "Alpha Mini" is just 24.5 centimetres tall and can dance, lead sing-a-longs, recite stories and even teach kung-fu moves as children mimic its push-ups and one-legged balances. (Image: AFP)")
!["The robots help with the kids' creativity," teacher Byun Seo-yeon told AFP during a visit to the bright and busy Maru nursery in Seoul. (Image: AFP)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2021/11/6-seoul-school-robot.jpg ""The robots help with the kids' creativity," teacher Byun Seo-yeon told AFP during a visit to the bright and busy Maru nursery in Seoul. (Image: AFP)")
!["In the future, knowing how to manage AI and related tools will be very important," Han Dong-seog, from the Seoul government's childcare division, told AFP. (Image: AFP)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2021/11/2-seoul-school-robot.jpg ""In the future, knowing how to manage AI and related tools will be very important," Han Dong-seog, from the Seoul government's childcare division, told AFP. (Image: AFP)")
!["We believe having this experience in nursery schools will have a lasting effect throughout their youth and as adults," Han said. (Image: AFP)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2021/11/1-seoul-school-robot.jpg ""We believe having this experience in nursery schools will have a lasting effect throughout their youth and as adults," Han said. (Image: AFP)")
![The Alpha Mini has been adopted as part of a daily schedule for the class of four- to five-year-old students at Maru, with its ability to "fart" on command being a highlight during playtime. (Image: AFP)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2021/11/3-seoul-school-robot.jpg "The Alpha Mini has been adopted as part of a daily schedule for the class of four- to five-year-old students at Maru, with its ability to "fart" on command being a highlight during playtime. (Image: AFP)")
!["When I tell it to sing, it sings well. I tell it to dance and we dance together," said five-year-old Lee Ga-yoon. (Image: AFP)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2021/11/7-seoul-school-robot.jpg ""When I tell it to sing, it sings well. I tell it to dance and we dance together," said five-year-old Lee Ga-yoon. (Image: AFP)")
