Seoul trials pint-sized robots in nursery schools

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The robot’s eyes wink and blink — and its pupils become heart-shaped during conversation.

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With a camera on its helmet, it takes photos that are instantly sent to a tablet for viewing.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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