New addition to the robot squad

The human-like Pepper robot is designed to analyse and react to human facial expressions and gestures with the help of HD cameras and distance sensors. It has a series of motors that move its head, arms and fingers, among other things. Wheels allow it to roll slowly on smooth ground. It is able to utter previously programmed sentences in response to human speech. VR-Bank Bonn Rhein-Sieg used the robot model in this function in its branches. The financial institution has now given the 1.20 metre tall android to the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems at H-BRS for study purposes. Professor Teena Hassan, computer scientist and head of the institute, wants to use the robot in student projects. Students will develop and test software that utilises Pepper's sensors and mobility and teach the robot new skills.

Among other things, Hassan's research focusses on the social interaction between humans and robots. Recognising facial expressions plays a central role in this. Research into this ability also serves to develop assistance systems to improve people's quality of life.

Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems have been a research focus at Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences for more than 20 years. The focus here is on components and systems that can manage themselves and make decisions. The Master's degree programme in Autonomous Systems, which was the first of its kind in Germany, is based at the Department of Computer Science. A unique feature of the study programme is its consideration of the complete life cycle of autonomous systems. A student robotics team has emerged from the programme, which regularly takes part in international competitions with great success. The team constructs household robots and industrial robots and takes them to the renowned ‘Robocup’ competition, for example. Numerous prizes document that the robotics teams at H-BRS are world-class.