Robotics as a field has long being looked upon for innovation that brings convenience to the humans. The assistance that advances in this field makes available comes in various forms. Whether it is the assembly line in manufacturing units or the learning methodologies in the educational sector, all have and continues to see the impact of expansion of its domain of service. It is widely believed that the sphere of education will reap huge dividends from the research that is now being done with robots. Experiments are being conducted to assess the use in various domains and more progress is only expected.

Humanoid Robots, the most popular being the Nao developed by Aldebaran Robotics, have been built to resemble humans in form. This factor is believed to give it more acceptances in use around humans for an interactive purpose as compared to the repetitive pre-programmed uses the robots have been relegated to. In the form of STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics) vehicles, humanoid robots bring in even more technology to the classroom for the benefit of the students. The learning process becomes all the more interactive as the students can program these robots and see the results as gestures and other visibly manifested forms. It is a known fact that means of educating pupils show better results when the mode of learning is more interactive. The result based approach to learning, with the use of humanoid robots, also builds interest among students in the more complex areas of programming, science and mathematics. This augurs well for the future of engineering and science.

Research has proved the efficacy of humanoid robots even in primary education. Primary schools in South Korea are using these humanoids to provide a better learning environment for students. The programmable humanoid robots can help students grasp concepts through repetitive tasks that present a lucid explanation of concepts and help students hone their skills through practice. Researchers are now trying to take the use of humanoid robots beyond the STEM vehicles. Further opportunities are being explored.

Humanoid robots as classroom assistants are being touted as the next big thing to happen in the field of robotics. This is in no way heading towards the replacement of humans with humanoid robots as teachers. The humanoid robots are being seen more as an extension of technology into the classrooms to aid the learning process. The advancements in teaching methodologies have always emphasized upon deviating from rote learning and creating a platform for interactive learning. This is what makes the learning process enjoyable and creates a real knowledge base for students. The research and advancements in the domain of humanoid robotics fits in perfectly into the picture. Initiatives have been launched with differently able kids to assess the feasibility of the concept. The results have been encouraging. A non-human as a classroom assistant has been seen to have a positive impact on students. Students have been observed to be less conscious of committing mistakes in the presence of humanoid robots and are at ease with the learning process.

The use of humanoid robots is widely expected to prove beneficial for education as a whole. This will mark a huge leap in the way the learning process is being undertaken at present. Given the numerous advantages of the initiative, the concept of humanoid robots as classroom assistants will surely turn into a reality in the near future.

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