(from left to right) Head of Administration Florian Merz, HFU Professor Dr. Elmar Cochlovius, and Mayor Josef Herdner Photo: Furtwangen Town Council
Humanoid robot from Furtwangen University proves itself at Furtwangen Town Hall
Anyone going into the Information Center at Furtwangen Town Hall over the next three weeks will be greeted by a very special “employee” – the humanoid robot “Pepper.” This is made possible by a joint semester project between Furtwangen University (HFU) and the Furtwangen City Council. The robot was prepared for its new job by a project group from the “General Computer Science” degree programme at HFU. The students received information from Florian Merz, head of the Furtwangen Town Council, and his team.
The friendly robot, which is just under 1.20 meters tall, acts as a mobile information terminal. It can be operated via a touchpad and answers questions about the opening hours of public authorities, tourist attractions, and more. Pepper can speak and display the desired information both via voice output and on its display. It can also be used to play a round of memory while waiting.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to try out innovative technology in direct interaction with citizens and the administration,” explains Prof. Dr. Elmar Cochlovius, supervisor of the student project. The aim of the project is to reduce people's fear of contact with robots and, at the same time, to find out to what extent Pepper can relieve the workload of the Information Center staff. To this end, the new colleague can also be easily switched on in the morning and off in the evening.
When Pepper isn't helping out at the Information Center, he “lives” in the Smart Home Lab of Faculty I: Computer Science & Applications at Furtwangen University. In this lab, students can try out ways of integrating robots into everyday life. The company CGI, which is also active in the faculty's Industrial Advisory Board, repeatedly provides important impetus for projects with Pepper. Pepper can also be used to support older people, for example.
At the end of the three-week test phase in the town hall, the feedback will be evaluated and the robot further optimised. “We are delighted with this wonderful example of how application-oriented study content can have a direct impact on society. We are also excited to see what Pepper will experience at the town hall – both the town and the university will benefit equally from the close practical relevance,” says Prof. Dr. Elmar Cochlovius.