(Lausanne) Sitting in a circle on the floor of a daycare center in Lausanne, Switzerland, children eagerly listen to the wise words of a friendly, alien-looking robot who answers their questions about giraffes or broccoli.
When these three-year-olds reach adulthood, interacting with a robot could be as common as using a smartphone is today. This Swiss daycare center called Nanosphere has therefore decided to take a head start.
The robot Nao has been a regular visitor since January. It is an interactive learning companion rather than a substitute teacher. While parents drop off their children at the nursery, located on the campus of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Nao welcomes them, sitting on a bench, from his height of 58 centimeters.
“Hello, my name is Nao. I’m glad to be in the Nanosphere today,” he said in a high-pitched, childish voice.
“I left my planet a while ago to come meet you. I look forward to meeting you and talking with you in the coming weeks! I wish you a very nice day,” he adds.
Some children walk past him, others wave at him, point at him, touch his hand or look at him with fascination.
An enchanting visitor
“What will the future of children look like? Will they have to work with robots? », asks AFP Olivier Delamadelaine, general director of Educalis, an education group specialized in the early childhood sector.
“We don’t have the definitive answer, but most likely we do. So because we are in a learning environment, it is important to make them aware early enough that they are used to working with robots. These will be reflexes that they will have. for the future,” he explains.
Once in the classroom, Eve L’Eplattenier, director of the establishment, and her fourteen students sit in a circle around Nao. “He will explain different things to you,” she tells them, before specifying that unlike them, Nao will never grow up.
“Do you like broccoli?” It is very good for your health,” says the robot that the teacher places on the table.
The children crowd around Nao, some jostling to get closer.
PHOTO FABRIC KOFFRINI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Young children interacting with Nao
“Do not fight!” », warns their futuristic friend.
Encouraged by their mistress, the cherubim try to trap him with questions like: “I am an animal with a trunk, who am I?” “. At the slightest correct answer, hilarious and infectious chuckles spread among the small crowd.
“The little scientist of the gang”
Gabriel Paffi, a master’s student in robotics, sits in a corner and gives the correct answers to Nao.
He programs the robot by coding and adapts it to the needs of the daycare center. “The goal is to make it automated so I no longer have to move and respond to the kids,” he explains.
The first Nao robots were launched in 2008 by the German brand United Robotics Group. Six generations of robots have succeeded each other and 15,000 copies have been sold.
Nao is expected to spend several years at the Educalis nurseries as his capabilities grow.
“The children are curious about what he is going to say, what he is going to do. It is a companion of small tips and advice,” assures Eve L’Eplattenier. “I think he will quickly position himself as the little scientist of the group,” the teacher jokes.
As for the parents, they are also curious how Nao will find a place for herself.
“I think it is a good way to help children make progress with new technologies,” assures father Guillaume Quentin.
“Apparently it has properties that go far beyond what we have seen so far. It will be interesting to see,” he adds.
When it’s time for Nao to return to his planet, every child comes to wave goodbye.
The robot responds by calling them by their first names: “I love you. I’ll be back soon. Goodbye children. Bye. »