ALDEBARAN Robotics, a world leader in humanoid robotics, launches Robotic Idol, the first robotic dance competition for grades 6th to 12th. The idea behind the competition is to help increase students interest by bringing Art in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

ALDEBARAN Robotics is a worldwide leader in the continually growing field of humanoid robotics and an academic partner of the most prestigious universities, schools and laboratories. The company has recently announced a dancing competition for the NAO humanoid robot called Robotic Idol, to take place in California on October 26, 2013.

Robotic Idol is a programming competition based on NAO, an advanced humanoid robotic platform, geared towards secondary education to stimulate and challenge the student's creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in STEM education. The competition aims to highlight that computer science is more attractive when learning programming with a humanoid robot.

NAO is an interactive and a fully programmable, 23inch-tall humanoid robot, with a sensor network that includes two cameras, four microphones, nine tactile sensors, sonars and pressure sensors, as well as a voice synthesizer and two high-fidelity speakers. NAO comes equipped with a graphical programming software, Choregraphe, that is perfect for beginners or advanced programmers. The user-friendly software enables teachers to approach programming in an entertaining way, while illustrating abstract concepts, and explaining mathematical theorems and principles in physics and computer science.

Aldebaran Robotics intends to reinforce the use of robotics in secondary education through motivating initiatives that aim to engage students at all levels. "We are bringing Art into STEM Education by incorporating dance with robotics. Students become more engaged in their studies, but most importantly this type of event entices girls to get involved with computer science and robotics" says Cedric Vaudel, Academic Regional Manager of ALDEBARAN Robotics.

Over the course of several months students will work in small teams, divided by grade levels and programming experience, to develop dance behaviors for NAO. The students will perform the dance sequences in front of a recognized jury composed of STEM mentors and robotic experts who will elect the winning team.

Registration is now open for teachers, educational organizations, or company sponsors looking to stimulate young minds. The registration deadline is June 28, 2013. ALDEBARAN Robotics has created a special package for schools that participate including 1 NAO humanoid robot, a programming kit, STEM curriculum, training, and much more.

A special workshop to discuss the details of the competition will be held Friday, February 22, 2013 from 9:00AM - 1:00PM (PT) at the RobotsLAB headquarters located at 75 Broadway Street, Suite 202, San Francisco, CA.

Source: http://www.aldebaran-robotics.com/