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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Rachel Keenan

We met Edinburgh Science Festival's cute robot and it made quite an impression

The National Museum of Scotland is showcasing futuristic robotics sessions as part of Edinburgh Science Festival.

Walking into the main atrium of the museum we bumped into the undeniably cute humanoid called Pepper.

Agreeing it was only polite for us to say 'hello' to the robot, we were not expecting her to recognise someone talking to her.

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She looked up at to make eye contact and waved, it really felt like she understood everything we were saying.

She had an impressive collection of headwear that was switched out throughout our meeting.

After being dressed in a blue straw hat she must have found the situation comical as she acted out a slap stick laugh that sent her hat flying.

Pepper is being engineered for a care environment. One day she may be able to offer support and company to elderly people in a care home.

The National Robotarium is hosting their Robotics event over April 13 and 14, where members of the public are invited to meet some of the high tech robots they have been working on.

A partnership between Heriot-Watt University and University of Edinburgh has brought this experience to the museum to encourage young people to consider a career in robotics and AI.

There are various robots on display for children to interact with from humanoid to surgical designs.

Boston Dynamics Spot robot, which resembles a cyborg dog, is being used to improve inspection practices on construction sites.

Controlled by engineers on site the robot can walk from room to room and even climb stairs. Engineers are already using this robot to help build the National Robatarium on Heriot-Watt University Campus.

The campus is set to be robot operated and assist in major developments into robotics and AI.

Dr Simon Gage OBE, CEO of Edinburgh Science, said: "We are excited to have the National Robotarium showcasing their work at the Edinburgh Science Festival.

“The Festival exists to engage the problem solvers of tomorrow with the science and technologies that are going to change lives and make the world a better place. Robotics and AI are two exciting areas of innovation and it is great to be showcasing the world leading work done in this city.

“We are also looking forward to hearing from the Robotarium researchers at their event at 6pm on Thursday 14th April “How Robots will help us in the future” at the National Museum of Scotland!"

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