For K-12 STEM classrooms
NAO gives teachers a single platform that scales with the student. Younger learners use Choregraphe's visual blocks to make NAO walk, talk, and react, while older students transition into real Python and C++. Because NAO is a humanoid that physically performs the code students write, abstract programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and sensor input become immediately visible and engaging. RobotLAB ships it with the SoftBank curriculum and lesson materials so teachers can start fast.
For special education and autism support
NAO's consistent, predictable, and emotionally neutral interactions make it a well-documented tool in autism-support and special-education settings. The robot delivers structured prompts, gestures, and speech the same way every time, helping students practice communication, turn-taking, motor skills, and social cues in a low-anxiety environment. Its expressive LEDs, multilingual speech, and gentle movements keep learners engaged while educators direct the session.
For higher-ed and research labs
NAO is one of the most published humanoid platforms in academia and is used at leading universities for robotics, AI, and human-robot interaction research. The full SDK and API, onboard Intel Atom processor, and rich sensor suite (cameras, microphones, sonar, IMU, force and tactile sensors) let researchers prototype perception, navigation, speech, and interaction studies on a standardized, repeatable platform — making published results easier to reproduce across institutions.
For coding and AI demonstrations
Its humanoid form and natural speech make NAO a strong ambassador for outreach, open houses, coding clubs, and AI demonstrations. Schools and organizations use NAO to spark interest in computer science by letting visitors see a robot recognize faces, hold a conversation in multiple languages, and respond to touch — a far more memorable hook than a screen-based demo.