Reading robots attract children at Abu Dhabi mall

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi organised a workshop at Mazyad Mall recently called the 'Intelligent Robotics Initiative' for students.

The initiative, organised by the IT and National Library departments at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, aimed at familiarising students with methods of using innovative modern technologies in line with the UAE Government's vision of transforming the UAE's cities into 'smart environments'.

The department has already conducted several trials using robots for library activities such as reading stories and interacting with visitors, in particular students.

The workshop at Mazyad Mall included an overview of robotics and their importance, emphasising that the field of robotics is one that is currently witnessing rapid, pioneering progress, especially in developed countries. Robotics technology has become a burgeoning international industry with the level of progress now a standard for measuring the industrial strength of a country.

The robots provided by the department also read stories to children, as part of the department's social responsibility towards promoting the Arabic language and to increase the interest in reading amongst children in the country.

Through its initiatives, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi seeks to develop literary interest in children by offering them attractive, interactive reading experiences that not only promote reading, but also help them develop a true understanding of the Arabic language at an early age.

Source: Khaleej Times