Google, Chicago Public Libraries Partner To Offer Robots That Teach Programming
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In addition to the standard books and movies, you can now check out at Chicago Public Libraries small robots that teach computer programming.
Mayor Emanuel says through the lending program, any adult with a library card will be able to check out Finch robots.
They're small motorized robots on wheels that are slightly larger than your hand and were designed at Carnegie Mellon University.
Google is paying $50,000 to have 500 of the robots available at six public library branches or through the lending system.
Library Commissioner Brian Bannon says the city hope this removes any cost barriers for patrons - especially kids.
A group of middle school students was playing with the robots during the announcement at the Northtown Branch in West Rogers Park.
One student had coded his robot to turn in the direction of a light shined on it.