The demonstration was put on by the University of Newcastle’s Robotic Laboratory and formed part of the library’s packed schedule of school holiday activities.

The tertiary institution’s amazing NUbots ­regularly take part in the international research and education initiative, RoboCup, which aims to foster artificial intelligence and robotics research.

Members of the team talked to a group of ­children at the library yesterday about the ­engineering, design and skill that go into creating their robots, before putting the NUbots through their paces.

A variety of other robot-themed activities will also be held at the East Maitland Library during the holidays.

Maitland City librarian Keryl Collard said the full schedule of events planned for the school ­holidays would allow the participants to expand their horizons, without having to leave the city.

“Parents can look no further than the local library for activities that will stimulate, inspire and entertain their little ones,” she said.