Today we said goodbye to Rachel, one of our key learning volunteers. Rachel is well known to school children across the country for her hugely popular workshop Rachel's Robots. Her pioneering work here at the Centre with our robot crew has been widely admired.

Learning Volunteer Rachel Kidd with JNFR our NAO Robot

So who will she miss most? JNFR, of course, our extra special NAO robot. 

Rachel said: "Humanoid robots have always fascinated people, especially students, and I'm no exception. The NAO (pronounced 'Now') robot is the most widely used humanoid robot for teaching purposes worldwide. We decided to give our robot the name JNFR to distinguish it from other examples. It's been great fun helping out here at the Centre and I hope to retain a close connection in the future."  

Centre Director, Jason Fitzpatrick said: "We've really enjoyed having Rachel as a key member of our volunteer team. She's always been a fantastic asset and her work with JNFR has been wonderful. The robot moves autonomously, has a conversation, identifies objects, interacts with its environment and even practises Tai Chi thanks to Rachel!

"Now, the really good news - and this explains why we are not too sad about losing Rachel - she's promised to return to lead a series of exciting, robot related events over the coming months." 

Further information about these sessions will appear in the What's On section of our website and in our monthly e-newsletters.

Rachel has been an enormous asset to our team. We thank her for all the work she's done here, her enthusiasm and her expertise. That wonderful cake says it all... hasta la vista baby... 

Date : 08-02-2017