'NAO’ is the time for New Heights

In the 2016-2017 academic school year, New Heights in Portsmouth and Exeter has engaged (and amazed) both their youth robotics program participants and members of the community with its Humanoid NAO Robot.

An autonomous, programmable humanoid robot with two arms, legs, eyes, and ears, NAO is unlike any robot in the world. It can walk and talk and its artificial intelligence and developed behaviors evolve during the programming process.

For Wayne Moulton, who leads all STEM programming at New Heights, NAO has been “an incredible addition” to its robotics offerings.

“Youth engage and interact with NAO in a way that is not possible with other kinds of technology,” he said. “They are learning programming languages they will need out in the real world and having a great time, too.”

Beginning in the next academic school year, New Heights’ Humanoid NAO Robot program will be offered during the school day at all three elementary schools in Portsmouth. This unique program is made possible through a recent grant awarded by The Clipper Foundation.

As for how New Heights acquired NAO, whose effectiveness as a STEM teaching tool has been substantiated by evidence in the US, Canada and Europe, Moulton cited the generosity of Beswick Engineering.

“They purchased the robot for us after seeing a demonstration of its capabilities,” he said. “This investment has put New Heights on the cutting edge of robotics programming for youth. We are so thankful for their support.”

Siang Kiang (SK) Beswick, CEO of Beswick Engineering, said she believes New Heights plays a key role in helping youth build foundational knowledge in science and engineering.

“We need more engineers in this country—America is a leader in innovation,” she said. “The robot can certainly involve kids to be more interested in robotics, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering to name just a few fields.”

She said the decision to purchase the robot for New Heights and their youth was an easy one.

“We saw it as an opportunity to bring joy to these kids, keep them meaningfully engaged, and at the same time develop their love and interest for science and technology,” she said. “We are pleased to offer our time and resources to support this program.”

In addition to Beswick Engineering, other sponsors of New Heights’ STEM Program include Unitil, Experimac, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, DoD STEM, Daystar Computer Services, Newburyport Five Cents Saving Bank, LanAir, Inc, The Provident Bank, Bottomline Technologies, and Seacoast Rotary.

“Our STEM program is not possible without these incredible supporters,” added Moulton. “These partnerships are helping shape how we educate youth outside and now inside the classroom.”

To learn more about New Heights, or to become a sponsor, visit www.newheightsonline.org.