How do you teach robots social behavior? This is the question that researchers at the Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (HRW) are investigating. In the laboratory on Lützowstrasse, they programmed the robots “Pepper” and “Nao” with basic skills. Now their abilities are to be tested in the Living Library. In order for them to find their way around the books and shelves, they need further support. The HRW is looking for citizen scientists to help improve the human-like robots.
Between August 1st and 27th, various online training courses will be offered from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who wants to help shape the future can take part. Whether young or old, enthusiastic about technology or simply curious – we are looking for people from all age groups and walks of life. Different perspectives and experiences are particularly valuable for the HRW project. Previous scientific experience and knowledge of robots are not necessary. All information can be found at (Opens in a new tab) available.
The robots will be in use in the Living Library from September 2 to 14. Anyone who comes to the library during this time and engages with the robots will help the HRW researchers with the field test.
Interdisciplinary research team
Robots such as “Nao” and “Pepper” are known from football competitions and are used in retirement homes. Typically, these robots are designed to recognise people and interact with them. They serve as information kiosks and as waiters in restaurants
The “RuhrBots” competence center for social robotics, in which HRW is involved, is dedicated to researching social robots in the city administrations of the Ruhr metropolis. The shortage of skilled workers and digitalization that is appropriate for diversity are two important aspects.
The interdisciplinary research team is made up of members of the Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences, the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, the University of Police and Administration, the Evangelical University of Nuremberg and the Fraunhofer IMS and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with around four million euros. In addition to technical tasks, psychological and economic aspects are included in the research and design. The aim is to develop innovative robot solutions that are both citizen-oriented and user-friendly. Citizen scientists should contribute their questions and concerns about the use of social robots to reduce the hurdles and reservations when using them and to make the robots more tangible and approachable so that they can best support people’s diverse needs.
