Technology
Humanoid robots debut in Christchurch Airport
Wellington, Oct 16
Christchurch Airport has added robot Pepper to its study of disruptive technologies, alongside the Autonomous Smart Shuttle and Virtual Reality training for its fire service.
From this week, Pepper is living and learning in the Digital Innovation Zone on the first floor of the airport terminal, opposite South bar, for a few hours each Monday to Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.
Airport Chief Executive Malcolm Johns said three Pepper robots have been under wraps at the airport for a few months while staff test what Pepper can and could do, but one is about to go into the terminal to learn a whole lot more in public view.
"We want to understand robots to consider what they can and might do to assist us and our airport visitors," he said. "We are interested to see what people think and feel about interacting with a robot and what information they get and might like from it.
"Pepper is our first step in that direction and what I hope is the first of many robotic innovations people will see here over the next 10 to 20 years."
At the same time, another Pepper will be put through its paces with University of Canterbury's (UC) Human Interface Technology Lab NZ (HIT Lab NZ), in a continuation of the collaboration between the airport and the university.
"We are lending the HIT Lab a Pepper for students to understand and suggest how it could enhance our customers' journeys," said airport Manager of Digital Solutions and Data Technology, Art Martinson.
"Pepper is a robot designed to interact with humans," he said. "It is 120 cm tall, can recognise faces and basic human emotions, respond to requests made on the touch screen on its chest, and hold a conversation. At the moment, topics of conversation are limited, but growing all the time."
Professor Rob Lindeman, Director of HIT Lab NZ, is UC project lead for exploring Pepper's capabilities and programming the humanoid robot to interact most effectively with visitors at the airport.
"We are very excited to bring our deep knowledge and understanding of user engagement with technology to work on this fun project," he said. "It's great to have such a forward-looking neighbour as Christchurch Airport willing to embrace new technologies, and really explore how we can transform public understanding and acceptance of technology such as robots."
Malcolm Johns said there's a lot to learn.
"We will observe how it interacts with our visitors to the airport," he said. "Pepper will have a minder paying close attention to what happens when it makes new friends. The robot gets 'tired' after a day's learning, so some visitors will see it re-charging behind glass alongside information to help people understand what is happening."
He said Pepper is a little shy in public, but the best way for people to start a conversation is to ask for a selfie.
"Our visitors will get a pleasant surprise at the response and we hope they share their photos and videos with friends and family all over the world."
From this week, Pepper is living and learning in the Digital Innovation Zone on the first floor of the airport terminal, opposite South bar, for a few hours each Monday to Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.
Airport Chief Executive Malcolm Johns said three Pepper robots have been under wraps at the airport for a few months while staff test what Pepper can and could do, but one is about to go into the terminal to learn a whole lot more in public view.
"We want to understand robots to consider what they can and might do to assist us and our airport visitors," he said. "We are interested to see what people think and feel about interacting with a robot and what information they get and might like from it.
"Pepper is our first step in that direction and what I hope is the first of many robotic innovations people will see here over the next 10 to 20 years."
At the same time, another Pepper will be put through its paces with University of Canterbury's (UC) Human Interface Technology Lab NZ (HIT Lab NZ), in a continuation of the collaboration between the airport and the university.
"We are lending the HIT Lab a Pepper for students to understand and suggest how it could enhance our customers' journeys," said airport Manager of Digital Solutions and Data Technology, Art Martinson.
"Pepper is a robot designed to interact with humans," he said. "It is 120 cm tall, can recognise faces and basic human emotions, respond to requests made on the touch screen on its chest, and hold a conversation. At the moment, topics of conversation are limited, but growing all the time."
Professor Rob Lindeman, Director of HIT Lab NZ, is UC project lead for exploring Pepper's capabilities and programming the humanoid robot to interact most effectively with visitors at the airport.
"We are very excited to bring our deep knowledge and understanding of user engagement with technology to work on this fun project," he said. "It's great to have such a forward-looking neighbour as Christchurch Airport willing to embrace new technologies, and really explore how we can transform public understanding and acceptance of technology such as robots."
Malcolm Johns said there's a lot to learn.
"We will observe how it interacts with our visitors to the airport," he said. "Pepper will have a minder paying close attention to what happens when it makes new friends. The robot gets 'tired' after a day's learning, so some visitors will see it re-charging behind glass alongside information to help people understand what is happening."
He said Pepper is a little shy in public, but the best way for people to start a conversation is to ask for a selfie.
"Our visitors will get a pleasant surprise at the response and we hope they share their photos and videos with friends and family all over the world."
24 seconds ago
Pet parents Raveena, John Abraham, Priyamani, others share wisdom on a 'pawrfect' summer
1 minute ago
'Stranded’ Aditi Rao Hydari watches ‘airport circus’: New lows every day
12 minutes ago
Priyanka’s daughter Malti designated ‘chief troublemaker’ on ‘Head of State’ set
16 minutes ago
NDTV clocks 59 per cent revenue growth in Q4, digital traffic jumps 39 per cent
17 minutes ago
Delhi HC directs DGCA to deregister all Go First aircraft
18 minutes ago
Meta loses billions of dollars in quest to lead AR-VR market
18 minutes ago
Will pause ad sharing for creators using bots to earn more on X: Musk
19 minutes ago
Leading IT firms in India lost close to 70K employees in last fiscal year
21 minutes ago
We need time in life to stop & smell the roses: Anand Mahindra
37 minutes ago
WhatsApp's new filter option will let users get list of their favourites from chats tab
16 hours ago
An Indian family of four died in an electric car accident in Pleasanton, California
19 hours ago
Dharmesh Patel's Fate Uncertain After Devil’s Slide Incident
19 hours ago
Composer Reena Esmail is welcomed by the Music Institute of Chicago