St John Bosco Arts College in Liverpool teams up with GW Robotics to introduce ‘intelligent delivery robot’ BellaBot into the school. Tony McDonough reports

A north Liverpool Catholic secondary school has introduced a robot that can assist both staff and students.

St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth has teamed up with Preston-based tech firm GW Robotics to trial ‘intelligent delivery robot’ BellaBot at the school. It has a cat-like interface and has previously been employed by the hospitality industry.

BellaBot can assist in getting equipment and supplies around, work in the library and recommend books to students. It can even serve as a guide, showing visitors around the school.

Its AI voice means that it can create positive emotional connections with staff and students, helping with social interaction.

“We are excited to introduce this innovative technology to our students and educators,” said Darren Gidman, headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College.

“The robots will provide a unique and engaging learning experience for our students, preparing them for the modern world and its evolving technologies.

“We believe this initiative will revolutionise the learning experience at our school, as it will help us inculcate our values of love, faith, community, respect, and hope in their hearts and minds.”

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And the school also hopes BellaBot will provide an opportunity for students to develop valuable digital skills and expertise that will prepare them for the rapidly evolving job market.

Darren added: “Currently, 26% of the UK’s tech workforce are women and as an all-girls school we hope to inspire more females into the sector through this trial. They will be able to see the humanistic side of coding and tech for themselves.”