Nao V5 Evolution humanoid robot, in polystyrene packing case, with two safety instruction leaflets, by Aldebaran Robotics Paris, France, 2016

Nao is the most widely used humanoid robot in the world. It was launched in 2006 by Softbank Robotics, and over 7000 had been sold as of 2016.

Nao is designed to be affordable and easily customised. It is widely used in research and interactive activities for children. Some of its more inventive uses include greeting bank and airline customers, manning a hotel concierge desk, and competing in the robot soccer world cup.

Nao is often more successful than adults at connecting with children and holding their attention. Nao has been programmed to enable children in hospital to virtually attend classes by acting as an avatar, teach English to children as a second language, coach children with diabetes at managing their blood sugar levels, conduct physiotherapy sessions for children, and assist adults in therapy sessions with children who have autism.