Humanoid
Available Now
FEATURED
SoftBank NAO
SoftBank RoboticsCompact educational humanoid robot for STEM learning and autism therapy
Research
Prosumer ($10K - $50K)
About SoftBank NAO
NAO stands 58 cm tall, weighs 5.5 kg, and features 25 degrees of freedom. Originally developed by Aldebaran Robotics (acquired by SoftBank), NAO has become the world's most popular humanoid in education—over 13,000 units deployed globally. The robot includes HD cameras, tactile sensors, sonar, microphones, and force-sensitive resistors for interaction. Programmable via Choregraphe (visual), Python, C++, and Java, NAO supports ROS integration. Applications include classroom STEM education, autism spectrum disorder therapy, elderly companionship, and basic research. NAO's small size and approachable design make it ideal for human-robot interaction studies.
PROS
- + Fully programmable open-source platform (Python
- + C++)
- + large installed base for community and support
- + ideal and approachable form factor for HRI studies
- + specialized applications for special education and therapy
- + robust sensor suite (cameras
- + sonar
- + tactile) for interaction
CONS
- - Not designed for heavy-duty physical tasks or lifting
- - high initial cost for individual consumers/small budgets
- - V6 hardware is an older platform (released in 2018)
Use Cases
STEM education and coding instruction
autism spectrum disorder therapy
human-robot interaction (HRI) research
welcoming/informing visitors (customer service)
cognitive training for the elderly
Quick Specs
- Type
- Humanoid
- Market
- Research
- Availability
- Available Now
- Price Range
- Prosumer ($10K - $50K)
