Project Nao, launched in early 2005, aims to make available to the public, at an affordable price, a humanoid robot with mechanical, electronic, and cognitive features, based on those of the prototype.

A watershed for the company as we start mass-producing Nao for the RoboCupers. It is really exciting to see them take shape before our very eyes. We can't wait to see them amble around Aldebaran's offices.
This phase, albeit initially intended for the RoboCupers, announces the arrival of Nao with you...

At last it's official! Nao is now in production. 32 Naos are literally being put on their feet in our premises and will soon meet their satisfied owners.
The 16 teams are taking part in the 2008 Standard RoboCup league (from July 15th to 20th) in Suzhou in China. This initial shipment of 2 robots per team will be followed by an equivalent one late next May.

This version of Nao has allowed us assessing how much progress we have made these past months, particularly in its mechanics and electronics: the actuators are much quieter and more flexible.

Nao is now more sure-footed and totally self-propelling, thanks to the addition of its battery pack. As for its look, the standard of finish is virtually that of the finished product.

The interactive part is also being constantly improved: for instance, we managed to play Granny's footsteps with its vision system! (The camera is capable of detecting the slightest movement in its field of vision). Here is a video of the assembly line and Nao learning to walk.

Aldebaran Robotics raised 5 million euros from CDC Innovation and I-source Gestion on 10 January 2008, good news for the Aldebaran Robotics venture!

Among other things, these funds will be used to boost manpower, improve development and proceed with the industrialization stage.

Apart from its functional aspects, this influx of funds is another mark of investor confidence in Nao's future.