Meet Nao and Buddy: Robots Bringing Science and Smiles to Your Local Pub!

At the University of Kent, researchers are bringing robots out of the lab and into the community. As part of the Pint of Science Festival, two robots named Nao and Buddy will be visiting The Foundry pub in Canterbury. The festival is designed to make science more accessible and fun for everyone, and the researchers hope that by meeting these robots, people will see how technology can be helpful in everyday life. Nao is a small, child-like robot with a white plastic body and glowing blue eyes, while Buddy is a wheeled robot with a large screen for a face that can show different emotions.

Dr Giovanni Masala, a senior lecturer in computer science, says that robots often get a bad reputation in movies, but in reality, they can be very useful. The research team at the University of Kent is working on ways for robots to support people, especially older adults. For example, Buddy can have conversations in different languages and show emotions on its screen, making it easier for people to interact with it. Nao is used in schools and therapy settings to help children and adults learn and communicate. Both robots are designed to help with daily tasks, give reminders, and provide companionship.

Dr Ioanna Giorgi, who teaches Artificial Intelligence, explains that these robots are not meant to replace human care, but to help where there is not enough support. They can remind people to take their medicine, help manage their calendars, and even offer friendship. The Pint of Science Festival is happening in over 45 cities across the UK, with scientists talking about topics like sleep, pain, and the bacteria in our guts. The University of Kent and Medway School of Pharmacy are working together to bring these events to Kent. The researchers hope that by meeting Nao and Buddy, people will understand that robots are here to help us, not to take over, and that they can make our lives easier and more enjoyable.