Wolly

The Wolly project focuses on the intersection of robotics, education, and co-design, creating an innovative platform where children actively contribute to the development of a robot tailored to their learning needs. Developed within the Department of Computer Science at the University of Turin, Wolly is an educational robot designed through a collaborative process involving primary school children, students, and researchers. This unique approach emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and the transformative potential of robotics in educational contexts.

Key Objectives

Research Framework

The Wolly project utilized a co-design methodology, where children collaborated with university students and researchers to ideate and shape the robot’s features. This participatory approach ensured that Wolly was not only functional but also resonated with its intended audience—primary school children.

By integrating robotics into educational settings, the project explored new ways to enhance engagement and learning. The robot was designed to support various educational activities, potentially sparking children’s interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This aligns with the project’s broader goal of encouraging creativity and critical thinking through hands-on experience with robotics.

Recognition and Impact

The innovative nature of Wolly earned it the prestigious Google PD Educator Award, a testament to its value in advancing educational robotics and promoting collaboration between academia and the community. The project demonstrated how co-design methodologies can bridge the gap between technology and education, making robotics accessible and meaningful to young learners.

Implementation and Collaboration

The project was developed by thesis students and researchers at the University of Turin, in collaboration with primary school children who played a key role in shaping the robot’s design and functionality. This multidisciplinary effort highlights the potential of combining technical expertise with user-centered design, particularly when the users are children.

Vision for the Future

Wolly represents a significant step forward in the integration of robotics into education. By involving children in the creation process, the project not only produced a tool for learning but also empowered young minds to engage with technology in a creative and meaningful way.

The long-term vision of Wolly is to inspire new generations of learners and innovators, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity where technology becomes a natural part of the educational journey. Through this initiative, the project demonstrates the power of co-design in shaping a future where robots are not just tools but also partners in learning and exploration.