More than 100 Robot Guides Appeared in Washington Museums

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington became the first museum in the world to employ about a hundred robots to assist human tour guides. Meet a robot named Pepper - he introduces himself, offers to chat, knows how to dance and play the air guitar. And most importantly, it allows you to study this or that exhibit as deeply as possible. Visitors are delighted!

Photo: Voice of America frame video

Historical artifacts and the miracle of modern robotics are now under one roof, writes Voice of America.

Megan Salox, an employee of the institute, spoke about how the decision was made to involve such unusual “specialists” in conducting excursions:

“The Smithsonian Institution is trying to find new ways to attract visitors and make visiting the museum an unforgettable experience. People like Pepper. At first we were a little nervous: what if visitors would be afraid of him? Maybe the museum is not quite the right place for it? But almost everyone reacts to it with a feeling of amazement and admiration.”

Photo: Voice of America frame video

And indeed, everyone, both old and young, is delighted with the robot.

Virginia, a museum visitor, smiles: “This robot is so cool!”, and a young school-aged man remarks: “It’s like an iPhone, but only more advanced.”

Photo: Voice of America frame video

Pepper looks like a Japanese comic book hero. Height is just over a meter, a friendly facial expression, a special display on the chest for entering and receiving information, movable arms that help the robot communicate, and instead of legs there are stable wheels with which it confidently moves.

Photo: Voice of America frame video

Pepper can answer questions, tell stories and engage visitors in a dialogue.

“Pepper has the ability to personalize information. It provides an opportunity to learn more about a particular artifact, its history, and how it was preserved. The robot helps people get the information they need,” says employee Rachel Goslins.

Photo: Voice of America frame video

In total, about a hundred of these androids are currently working in the Smithsonian complex, which consists of 19 museums. All the robots were donated to the institute by their developer, the Japanese company SoftBank Robotics. The cost of each is about 15 thousand dollars.

Photo: Voice of America frame video

“It’s simply impossible to fit everything into one exhibition. So having a robot there takes it to the next level,” says Michelle Edwards, who works at the Smithsonian Institution. “This helps expand the scope and present the exhibits more fully.”

Photo: Voice of America frame video

Robots are primarily sent to less popular galleries to whet the interest of visitors, they also help curators to conduct tours for tourist groups. However, according to the observations of journalists VOA, many museum guests were more interested in the miracle of technology itself than the information that the robot was able to provide.

Photo: Voice of America frame video

But, of course, most museum visitors simply cannot resist taking a selfie or a photo with this friendly robot.

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