The robots will be on display from May 26 to 30 at the Tourist Information i-Punkt in Königstraße 1a, from June 2 to 6 at Bürgerservice Bauen in Eberhardstraße 33 and between June 10 and 14 at the city library on Mailänder Platz.
The robot heads named "Kim" are part of a research project at Stuttgart Media University (HdM). In a scientific experiment, they will help visitors with their questions. Kim" can offer tourists suggestions in various languages about places of interest in the Stuttgart area. The robot supports the citizens' building service by directing visitors to the right online resources on the topics in question. In the city library, Kim helps with information about the architecture of the library building and answers other questions that visitors bring with them. Kim can answer in different languages and serve as a translator.
Bringing innovations into society
"We see it as our task to support the scientific institutions at the location. This also includes helping to bring innovations from the institutions into application. We offer the HdM a suitable testing ground," explains Ines Aufrecht, Head of the Stuttgart 21/Rosenstein Coordination and Future Projects department.
Together with the Office for Digitalization, Organization and IT (DO.IT), her department is coordinating the joint project between the state capital Stuttgart and HdM. The department supports universities, colleges and other scientific institutions in Stuttgart and their research projects. It is also committed to the practical implementation of innovative projects. Using the example of robot heads, it brings scientific innovation directly together with urban society.
The idea for the project was born at the Stuttgart Science Festival 2024, organized by the Science and Universities team of the Stuttgart 21/Rosenstein and Future Projects Coordination Department, when the robot "Andrea" was presented in the town hall. Prof. Dr. Christian Becker-Asano, Head of the Institute for Applied Research and Director of the Humanoid Lab at HdM, was looking for practical applications for humanoid robots: "We want to transfer knowledge from research to application. I am delighted that the city is opening its doors and giving us the opportunity to let 'Kim' interact with people."
Armin Dellnitz, Managing Director of Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH, explains from the perspective of a practical partner of the project: "We are looking forward to the reactions of our guests at the i-Punkt. Above all, the AI's translation service can certainly be useful as an extension of our offer for visitors."
New applications in human-robot interaction
The primary aim of the HdM research project is to test new applications in human-robot interaction in the three selected institutions, also with regard to technological hurdles. In addition, the practical relevance and acceptance of the technology will be observed and evaluated. What questions does the urban population ask? How many questions are asked? How do people react to "Kim's" facial expressions and answers? Another component of the project is the involvement of students who are investigating how start-ups can be developed from the use of humanoid robots. The information collected will be evaluated as part of the overall research project and published in due course.
The project is supported by DATIpilot, a funding guideline of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Development.
