SoftBank Robotics NAO — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | SoftBank Robotics |
|---|---|
| Model | NAO |
| Year | 2008 |
| Category | Educational, Companion, Humanoid |
| Autonomy | programmable |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $9000–$12000 |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Dimensions | 58cm H |
| Country of origin | FR |
Key features
- 25 degrees of freedom
- Dual 5-megapixel HD cameras
- Four omnidirectional microphones
- Intel Atom E3845 quad-core processor
- 4 GB RAM, 32 GB SSD storage
- Programmable via Python, C++, Java
- Battery life: 60–90 minutes
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
What is it?
The SoftBank Robotics NAO is a small, programmable humanoid robot standing 58 cm tall and weighing approximately 5.2 kg. Originally developed by Aldebaran Robotics in 2008, NAO is designed for educational, research, and companion applications. It features 25 degrees of freedom, enabling a range of human-like movements and interactions. Equipped with dual 5-megapixel cameras, four omnidirectional microphones, and various sensors, NAO can perceive and respond to its environment. (en.wikipedia.org)
Who is it for?
NAO is primarily targeted at educational institutions, research organizations, and developers interested in humanoid robotics. Its programmable nature makes it suitable for teaching programming, robotics, and STEM concepts. Additionally, NAO is utilized in research fields such as human-robot interaction and social robotics. Its interactive capabilities also make it a valuable tool in therapeutic settings, assisting in autism therapy programs. (humanoidindex.org)
Key specs
- Height: 58 cm
- Weight: 5.2 kg
- Degrees of Freedom: 25
- Battery Life: Approximately 90 minutes
- Sensors: Dual 5-megapixel cameras, four omnidirectional microphones, tactile sensors, sonar rangefinders
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
- Programming Languages Supported: Python, C++, Java, and visual programming through Choregraphe software
- Operating System: NAOqi OS
- Price Range: Approximately $9,000 to $12,000 (en.wikipedia.org)
How it compares
When compared to competitors, NAO offers a balance between performance and affordability. For instance, China's robotics industry has produced humanoid robots at prices up to ten times lower than Western counterparts, though these models may lack the advanced features and support offered by NAO. (lemonde.fr)
Limitations
- Mobility: NAO's walking speed is approximately 0.6 km/h, limiting its ability to navigate quickly.
- Battery Life: With a battery life of about 90 minutes, extended use may require recharging.
- Cost: The price range of $9,000 to $12,000 may be prohibitive for some educational institutions or individuals.
- Complexity: Programming and operating NAO may require a learning curve, especially for beginners in robotics.
FAQ
What programming languages can NAO be programmed with?
NAO can be programmed using Python, C++, and Java. Additionally, it supports visual programming through the Choregraphe software. ([awesomerobots.xyz](https://www.awesomerobots.xyz/robots/softbank-nao?utm_source=openai))
How long does NAO's battery last?
NAO's battery life ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on usage. ([aiwiki.ai](https://aiwiki.ai/wiki/softbank_robotics_nao?utm_source=openai))
What sensors does NAO have?
NAO is equipped with dual 5-megapixel HD cameras, four omnidirectional microphones, and tactile sensors, enabling it to recognize faces and understand speech in 20 languages. ([aiwiki.ai](https://aiwiki.ai/wiki/softbank_robotics_nao?utm_source=openai))
What is NAO's weight and height?
NAO stands 58 cm tall and weighs 5.5 kg. ([aiwiki.ai](https://aiwiki.ai/wiki/softbank_robotics_nao?utm_source=openai))
How many units of NAO have been deployed worldwide?
Over 13,000 units of NAO have been deployed across more than 70 countries. ([aiwiki.ai](https://aiwiki.ai/wiki/softbank_robotics_nao?utm_source=openai))