You Can Now Check Out This Robot From Chicago Public Libraries
By Jon Graef in News on May 18, 2014 4:15PM
Not like Optimus Prime or C-3PO or anything like that. But thanks to a donation of 500 Finch Robots, which help users learn the basics of computer coding, from Google Chicago, adult patrons of Chicago Public Libraries can now check out a robot at six different CPL locations.
So if you have an adult library card from CPL, you can now check out one Finch Robot or a pack of five. According to Chicago Public Library's blog post, CPL is the first library in the nation to lend out robot of these kind. The robots, which were invented at Carnegie Mellon University Create Lab, can teach computer science learning and programming. As you learn these skillsets, you can make the robot move, draw, light up, wield a light saber, and make noises.
Here's video of the Finch in action:
The robots, none of which, it should be noted are in disguise, are at six CPL locations: Austin-Irving Branch; Back of the Yards Branch; Harold Washington Library Center-YOUmedia; Sulzer Regional Library; Woodson Regional Library; and Wrightwood-Ashburn Branch.
Adult patrons can put the robots on hold, one at a time, or in a pack of five. Simply request one to be delivered to the CPL location of your choice
The future is here, and it's freaking us out!