This innovative guide, standing 1.25 meters tall and weighing 50 kg, was developed by the Italian Institute of Technology (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia) in Genoa. Named R1, it moves on wheels at speeds of up to 1.5 meters per second and uses onboard artificial intelligence to present the artworks. Designed to navigate historic buildings with limited space, it helps visitors find their way while also contributing to smoother traffic flow. The project, supported by €4 million from the European Union through its Digital Europe program and by partners such as the University of Genoa and Robert Bosch GmbH, began at the end of March and has been operational for about six weeks. According to the engineers, the robot uses sensors and cameras to avoid obstacles and adjust its trajectory in real time, and can reorient itself if necessary by re-mapping its surroundings. Museum officials insist that the robot is intended to support staff rather than replace them, particularly during peak periods when visitor numbers can increase by around 30%. Initial feedback indicates strong public interest, with over 80% of users describing positive interactions, although some visitors are still unsure how to interact with the machine and continue to prefer human guides for in-depth explanations.
