The robot ‘Pepper’ is causing a stir at the Mediathek on Prinzenplatz in Kamp-Lintfort and clearly demonstrates that technology can also be fun. Pepper has long since proved that he is not just a piece of technology, but an interactive companion who blurs the boundaries between human and machine in a humorous way.
Pepper can be individually programmed and controlled via a tablet positioned at chest height on the all-white robot. Students from the Faculty of Communication and the Environment have programmed Pepper, with support from, amongst others, Professor Dr Kai Essig, Professor of Human Factors and Interactive Systems. The fact that Pepper – which costs 17,000 euros – possesses a quirky sense of humour alongside its scientific purpose is down to Lukas Schink, who took over the project from a Master’s student.
But of course, alongside its entertaining side, Pepper also has a practical function. It is programmed, for example, to inform visitors to the media library about opening hours, how to get to the youth library or the prices in the bistro. In addition, it is designed not only to be useful, but also to improve communication between people and technology. “Welcome, how can I help you?” the artificial intelligence greets those who stop in front of him.
The trial at the media library is part of a partnership between the university and the town of Kamp-Lintfort. If Pepper meets expectations, he could in future also ease the workload of staff in other public institutions and provide visitors with standard information. Furthermore, he is set to become multilingual in the near future and be able to switch effortlessly between different languages. Another planned feature is that he will actively approach people rather than simply waiting passively for attention.
Until the end of the Easter holidays on 5 April 2024, anyone interested can meet Pepper at the media library in Kamp-Lintfort at Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße 26. After that, he’ll be moving on to his next placement – this time at Xanten Cathedral!
