Children explore robotics at SIBF 2025

“Autonomous Hands” workshop

The “Autonomous Hands” workshop taught participants to build robotic hands using items such as cardboard, tape, straws, strings, and stickers. These materials allowed children to transform flat paper cutouts into moving, expressive characters.

Learning the basics of robotics

Workshop facilitators explained that the goal was to show children that robotics is not limited to wires or coding. Instead, creativity and simple tools can demonstrate the same foundational principles used in prosthetics and robotic engineering.

Children share their experiences

Nine-year-old Mansoor said, “It was amazing to see my hand move when I pulled the strings. It felt like I made my own robot!”

Thirteen-year-old Abdul Hadi enjoyed learning the basics and expressed interest in building a more advanced version. Five-year-old Rahma was delighted that her robot hand could wave.

Blending science and creativity

The session allowed children to bring “living” hands to life—some carried shields, made sounds, or reflected personal flair—combining imagination with scientific concepts.

Part of a larger SIBF programme

The workshop is among 750 activities taking place during SIBF 2025, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme “Between you and a Book” and running until November 16.