Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) are investing in two humanoid Pepper 1.8 robots from Japanese company SoftBank Robotics to be used in the classroom as teaching assistants.

Despite looking like children's toys, the sophisticated four-wheeled robots are designed to interact and communicate with people, even recognizing faces and reading feelings by analyzing facial expressions and tone of voice.

Equipped with a powerful software package, microphones, HD cameras, a gyroscope, touch sensors, lasers and more, the robot can speak different languages, greet people, serve coffee, navigate through crowded rooms and mimic human movement.

"They will both be working as ‘teaching assistants’ and as programmable hardware, for example on the Artificial Intelligence and Data study programme,” explains Associate Professor Thomas Bolander, who is responsible for one of the robots at DTU Compute.

However, the robots will also be involved in research activities, and Associate Professor Martin Mose Bentzen, who is responsible for the second robot at DTU Management Engineering, is looking forward to the interaction with the robots:

“The two robots provide new avenues for studying human interaction with artificial intelligence, and they allow us to see how robots respond to, for example, an environment with both humans and other robots.”

Researchers anticipate other applications for the robots in addition to their research and teaching duties, according to Per B. Brockhoff, Head of Department of DTU Compute:

“I expect we will use the robots at conferences, events, VIP visits, and activities aimed at high schools, where they will be excellent company for all our external stakeholders — from potential students to representatives from industry and public authorities,” he says.