Robots have traditionally been used as educational props in mathematics, science or technology. But one school in Italy is now taking a different approach. Teachers there have been using them to educate youngsters in non-technical subjects like drama or the Italian language.

“The project was born out of a bit of madness, and also out of interest for the future of teaching,” said Luca Raina, Italian literature teacher and trainer in digital teaching methods, one of the project’s masterminds. “Robots will increasingly be present in our lives, so we must learn to interact with them. It is essential for school to get closer to new technologies and approach them with a critical mind.”