Sonrie: Social Entertaining Robotics for intercultural education in early childhood education services and nurssery school

This paper explores the potential of social robots to enhance intercultural ed- ucation in early childhood, with a specific focus on the SONRIE project (SOcial eNtertaining Robotics for Intercultural Education). The study addresses the pedagogical use of culturally competent robots in multicultural contexts, par- ticularly within early childhood education services (0-6 years). Drawing on the framework of Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (CSP), the SONRIE project aims to develop a social robot capable of fostering cultural inclusion and facilitating in- teractions between children from diverse backgrounds. The robot integrates multilingual capabilities and culturally specific functionalities, such as tradi- tional games, music, and storytelling, promoting inclusive learning environ- ments. Moreover, the project emphasizes a participatory research approach, in- volving educators, parents, and children in the robot’s design, ensuring adapt- ability to individual cultural and developmental needs. Ethical considerations, such as privacy and the safety of children, are central to the project’s method- ology, with strict adherence to ethical standards. The article concludes that the SONRIE robot, by supporting both formal and informal learning, has the poten- tial to become a valuable tool in promoting intercultural understanding, inclu- sion, and social development among children in multicultural educational set- tings.