UP employs Watson-powered robotic librarian
The University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Department of Library Services has “employed” the first client service robot known to be in use in any university library in Africa.
The university says the introduction of the robotic librarian is in keeping with its focus on evolving in line with the fourth industrial revolution.
This week, the UP also made headlines when it hosted its Tuks Robot Race Day, which saw more than 70 autonomous robotic vehicles take to the track to compete for the top spot.
Libby, as the robot librarian is called, weighs in at 19kg and is 90cm tall – a height the university says is tall enough to interact with visitors in wheelchairs.
Libby started ‘work’ at UP’s Merensky Library on the Hatfield Campus on Tuesday, 28 May. According to the university, ‘she’ has an array of over 60 sensors, cameras and software integrations that enable her to receive and process various commands and requests.
She boasts a tablet integrated on her chest area for manual input. Her brain is connected to Watson, IBM’s question-answering computer system, which processes queries directed at Libby.
She runs off Android-based software, which opens up opportunities for the Department of Library Services to develop new and exciting client-facing applications, the university says.
Read the full story on: IT Web.