Since I love to read, I’ve tried to instill in my children a passion for books, reading, and learning. And to this day, most of my kids are big readers as they’ve grown older! And I think that the younger you can start working on these skills, the better chance your child will also enjoy reading and learning. Even when they are young and reading picture books, or like to be read to from advanced books they can’t read themselves, you can bet that the kids love to read with Luka, a robotic owl companion. She is perfect for this back to school season!
Luka, A Robotic Companion
Ling Technology, a Chinese Artificial Intelligence (AI) company, which has created Luka, a robotic companion designed to help children find their passion for reading. This means real books, without a tablet or TV screen in sight.
Luka’s internal camera can recognize over 5,000 English language books. Simply place the book in front of her and she will read it out loud (no matter which page you turn to). Plus, Luka can work offline so she can support children with their reading no matter where they are.
Luka not only stimulates language and cognitive skills; she also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory. Luka is an early learning device that children can interact with and learn from.
My Thoughts
Our love for technology, toys, and games is probably a close second to reading books, so anything that can combine both efficiently is bound to be a hit for us! And as a parent, I always try to read to my younger kids especially, and encourage them to read on their own or out loud to me, even if it’s not quite right yet. Starting with picture books with a few if any words, then a few words on each page with colorful illustrations, and even more advanced with a story for them to follow, reading fosters a passion for learning, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Enter Luka, a robotic companion, from Ling Technology, in the shape of an adorable owl. She’s not just a cute toy, but seems to come to life and reads to your child. Simply slide a picture book under her eyes, and she will begin reading, no matter which page they turn to first. Adorable!
Right now, Luka’s database holds over 5,000 titles and you don’t have to order special titles, just use the books you already have. The internal cameras built into her wide, expressive eyes scan the page and she starts reading out loud! Plus the kids don’t have to use a tablet or other device, just simply have Luka and a book.
The kids really seem to enjoy the smooth and natural reading voice that Luka uses. And it’s not all baby like which might drive some of us nuts! Plus her eyes move across the page, just as if she were really reading. And the sound effects and funny noises to capture your child’s attention is a great way to remind them to read more as she encourages them to play with her.
I personally love reading to my kids, but I also want them to enjoy it on their own. Or if they want to read and I’m busy with another chore, this is a great option to still encourage that interest at the younger age level. Luka also works offline, so it’s terrific to take along in the car or on a trip, as she can read a story to them almost anywhere. And she’s not just a reading buddy, but also will interact with sounds, whistles, jokes, and more! It’s like having a smart, book loving robotic owl that hangs out with the kids!
Luka also has an app that helps both child and parent develop healthy reading habits, allow interaction from the parent to Luka, like telling them it’s time to brush their teeth!
Overall, I think that having a reading companion like Luka, is definitely an encouragement to our children to read and play. It’s perfect any time of year, but especially as school starts back. It would make a great gift for your family, or even if you’re a grandparent or other relative that would like to give a gift of technology without having the child sitting in front of a tablet or TV screen. Kids love to read with Luka, your new robotic alien owl, and hear her many stories as they follow along, page by page.
Make sure to follow Ling Technology on social media:
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We’ve added Ling Technology to our Back2School2018 on MDR Gift Guide! Check it out here!
