Spoke 4 Eng Archives - RAISE Innovation Ecosystem

BeTwin project presented at IAS 2025

Posted on 4 July 20255 July 2025 by admin

During the 19th edition of the International Conference on Intelligent Autonomous Systems (IAS), currently taking place in Genoa until July 4, 2025, the research project BeTwin – Real-Time AI-Powered Urban Port Digital Twin was presented.

The project, developed as part of Spoke 4 of the RAISE program, focuses on artificial intelligence for the smart management of infrastructures and territories.

The presentation was delivered by Francesco Rebora and Ginevra Roggero from Exis Engineering Solutions S.r.l., the lead company of the consortium coordinating the initiative.

BeTwin, funded under the national RAISE program – Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment, was designed to create an integrated, dynamic, and scalable system for monitoring the port area and the surrounding urban zone.

In addition to Exis Engineering Solutions, the consortium includes T&G Technology & Groupware S.r.l. (FOS Group), SWHARD S.r.l., OnAir S.r.l. and Spindox S.p.A..

During the presentation, it was explained how BeTwin aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of port operations, while also supporting urban planning and environmental monitoring through the synergistic use of advanced technologies, including IoT sensors, drones, cameras, artificial intelligence, and digital twin models.

The system was designed to collect and analyze real-time data from heterogeneous sources, with a specific application at Varco Passo Nuovo, one of the main access points to the Port of Genoa.

The monitored data covers several aspects. For mobility and vehicle traffic, indicators such as delays, queue lengths, and travel times were gathered using GPS tracking and cameras. For anomaly detection and vehicle classification, a two-phase analysis was performed using cameras for object tracking and automatic vehicle type recognition under controlled conditions. Regarding the three-dimensional geometry of the area, laser scanners were employed to produce 3D models useful for planning specific interventions. Environmental data and external impacts were also monitored, with a focus on three key parameters: air quality (with special attention to fine particulate matter to prevent health risks and infrastructure damage), ground vibrations (detected through a distributed sensor network to identify structural anomalies), and noise pollution (mapped using a network of microphones to support potential mitigation measures).

All of this data was integrated into a demonstrative platform capable of processing multivariate information streams, leveraging predictive models and correlations between environmental and infrastructural variables.

“Participating in a conference like IAS is a great opportunity for our company, a small Genoese enterprise. First of all, it’s a way to observe where research is heading, and at the same time, to share our industrial applications with the academic and research world. These are often organizations we already collaborate with on various projects. It’s a valuable context for networking and for starting a conversation on how to industrialize what we consider the result of our internal R&D efforts,” commented Francesco Rebora at the end of the presentation.

The BeTwin project served as a concrete example of interdisciplinary cooperation, involving companies active in complementary sectors.

Its presentation at IAS 2025, a flagship conference in the field of robotics and intelligent systems, was perfectly aligned with the theme of this year’s edition, “Ethical, Responsible, and Inclusive Robotics,” which promotes the adoption of autonomous technologies for the common good and the sustainable development of local areas.

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Spoke 4: Alter Ego enchants visitors at the Aquarium

Posted on 2 July 20252 July 2025 by admin

On June 10, 2025, the Genoa Aquarium hosted an innovative event that combined science, technology, and environmental education. Throughout the day, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Alter-Ego—the humanoid robot developed by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)—interacted with the public, sharing information about cetaceans as part of a pilot initiative under Spoke 4.

Standing about 140 cm tall and moving on wheels, Alter-Ego navigated the Cetacean Pavilion, specifically the area dedicated to research and conservation projects. Equipped with multi-jointed hands and advanced artificial intelligence, the robot provided scientific explanations, suggested respectful behaviors toward animals, and encouraged questions from visitors.

The interaction was fully autonomous, thanks to the collaborative efforts of IIT’s “Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation” unit and the “Cognitive Architecture for Collaborative Technologies” team.

The robot was able to recognize visitor groups, adapt content based on audience behavior, and, at the end of the conversation, invite participants to complete a questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of the interaction.

Francesco Rea, project lead at IIT, commented: “We are working to ensure the robot can interact with groups of people. From a research perspective, this is a major challenge—understanding how a group behaves in front of a robot. The AI we’ve implemented is capable of interpreting group dynamics and suggesting activities, such as observing bottlenose dolphins up close while maintaining respectful behavior. These types of suggestions are crucial in the field of human-robot interaction.”

Meanwhile, the CNR’s Institute for Research on Sustainable Economic Growth (IRCRES) monitored the social and economic impact of the experiment. The ultimate goal was to explore how robotics and AI can be integrated into cultural and tourism contexts—such as ports and aquariums—which are key areas of focus for Spoke 4.

This pilot project strengthened the long-standing collaboration between IIT and the Genoa Aquarium, who have been working together for years on initiatives related to scientific outreach and bio-inspired robotics. Testing Alter-Ego in a setting driven by nature offered a unique opportunity to assess how technology can engage the public.

Roberta Parodi, Head of Educational Services at the Aquarium, said: “We accepted IIT’s proposal because we’re very curious to see how an AI-powered humanoid robot could enhance our visitors’ experience. In an environment where nature is the protagonist, such a technological tool can inspire curiosity and bring people closer to our mission: education, conservation, and research. We’re confident that our visitors appreciated Alter-Ego.”

The experiment marked an important step toward integrating robotics into places of culture and science, offering new insights into the role of AI in complex social environments. The results will help shape future applications within the field of smart tourism—one of the key focuses of RAISE Spoke 4.

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Pepper meets visitors: Spoke 4 at the Aquarium

Posted on 1 July 20252 July 2025 by admin

On June 13, 2025, an innovative experiment in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence took place at the Aquarium of Genoa, as part of Spoke 4 of the RAISE project.

The initiative involved the RICE laboratory of the University of Genoa (Department of Computer Science, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering – DIBRIS), in collaboration with the Aquarium of Genoa, with the goal of evaluating the effectiveness of interaction between humanoid robots and visitors in tourist and cultural contexts.

The experiment was conducted inside the exhibition facility, specifically in the area dedicated to the tropical lagoon, where Pepper, a humanoid robot equipped with the artificial intelligence developed by the University of Genoa, welcomed and engaged the public.

Pepper autonomously interacted with visitors, providing information about coral reefs, the species hosted in the tropical environment, and the importance of conserving marine ecosystems. Thanks to a vocal communication system and the ability to recognize the presence of people nearby, the robot delivered scientific content in an accessible and engaging manner.

During the day, Pepper invited visitors to scan QR codes placed in the exhibition area to further explore topics related to tropical habitats independently. These activities stimulated public interest and encouraged active participation, offering an immersive and technologically advanced experience.

The project is part of the activities planned under Spoke 4 of RAISE, which aims to apply robotics and artificial intelligence in socio-economic contexts, such as ports and their tourism hubs.

Alongside the experiment at the Aquarium, within Spoke 4 the RICE Lab of UniGe carried out similar activities at the Maritime Stations of Genoa, focusing on cruise passengers and orientation in complex environments.

Roberta Parodi, Head of Educational Services and Visitor Experience Quality at the Aquarium of Genoa, stated: “We are here with Pepper, the humanoid robot that the RICE laboratory of the University of Genoa has programmed within the RAISE ecosystem to evaluate robot interaction with Aquarium visitors. We are in front of the tropical lagoon tank, one of the richest biodiversity environments on the planet but also one of the most at risk. Pepper is here to provide information on the characteristics of coral reefs and the importance of their conservation”.

Lucrezia Grassi, postdoctoral researcher at the RICE laboratory ( Robots and Intelligent Systems for Citizens and the Environment), emphasized: “Today we are at the Aquarium with Pepper. This is a humanoid robot designed for autonomous interaction with people, powered by an artificial intelligence developed by our team. Here its goal is to entertain visitors and invite them to scan QR codes that link to content about coral reefs and species in the area. Artificial intelligence allows Pepper to talk about many topics, but it has been programmed specifically to provide information on corals, polyps, and tropical environments.”

During the interaction, the robot also spoke simple educational phrases such as: “Corals defend themselves by producing chemicals that help them grow and regenerate”, “Have you ever thought that many animals feed on corals but often only eat small fragments without destroying the entire colony?”

The experiment allowed the collection of valuable data on public engagement, useful for developing future applications of robotics in the tourism and cultural sector. The initiative confirmed the potential of humanoid robots as tools for dissemination and cultural mediation, capable of strengthening the connection between visitors, science, and the environment.

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Pepper and Alter Ego at Stazione Marittima for Spoke 4: welcoming cruise ship passengers and inviting them to evaluate the experience

Posted on 19 June 202519 June 2025 by admin

In May and June, at the Stazione Marittima in Genoa, departing cruise ship passengers met the humanoid robots Pepper and Alter Ego, together with the research team of the RAISE ecosystem and Stazioni Marittime.

The final phase of data collection is in progress for one of the research activities of Spoke 4, which involves the use of robots to improve the experience of departing passengers.

Cruise ship passengers have the opportunity to fill out an online questionnaire to evaluate their experience during the boarding phases within the Stazione Marittima.

The two humanoid robots invited passengers to fill out these questionnaires. The hypothesis is that the presence of robots can have a positive impact, stimulating users to express their point of view and evaluate the services offered in the Maritime Station, together with other aspects related to the quality of the overall boarding experience.

The experiment included three scenarios: filling in without robots, filling in with an invitation from robots and filling in with a joint invitation from robots and researchers.

The presence of robots has facilitated, in general, the collection of feedback through questionnaires, thus helping to provide the Maritime Station with useful elements to improve the quality of the service based on the comments received.

Pepper e Alter Ego alla Stazione Marittima per lo Spoke 4 RAISE 2 — Pepper with two young passengers | Author: Lucrezia Grassi (UniGe, Spoke 4) | Credits: UniGe, IIT, CNR-IRCrES and RAISE

The humanoid robots involved are two: Pepper and Alter Ego. Pepper is a commercial product, while Alter Ego was entirely developed by the Italian Institute of Technology. Both, for this application, make use of Artificial Intelligence developed by the University of Genoa.

In addition to inviting passengers to fill in the questionnaires, the robots can interact with them to make their passage through the Maritime Station more pleasant, also providing suggestions and tourist information.

The researchers involved in the experiment are: Prof. Antonio Sgorbissa and Lucrezia Grassi (RICE Lab, DIBRIS, University of Genoa), Prof. Alessio Tei and Iacopo Nappi (DIEC, University of Genoa), Giampaolo Vitali, Monica Cariola and Anna Novaresio (CNR – IRCrES), Manuel Catalano (IIT), Alberto Minoia, Daniela Visora and Andrea Ferrea (Stazioni Marittime S.p.A.).

The data collection phase is being concluded successfully: in the next phase, the teams will be engaged in data analysis and in providing useful feedback to Stazione Marittima.

Pepper e Alter Ego alla Stazione Marittima per lo Spoke 4 RAISE 3 — Alter Ego and Pepper invite passengers to fill out the survey | Author: Lucrezia Grassi (UniGe, Spoke 4) | Credits: UniGe, IIT, CNR-IRCrES and RAISE

The May and June session represents the last and most extensive data collection session, following several days of pilot testing carried out during 2024 and 2025.

One of the significant results achieved by RAISE was, thanks to Spoke 4, bringing robotics to places of transit such as the Stazione Marittima, with the aim of improving the travel experience and, indirectly, promoting knowledge of technologies through interaction with robots and with the researchers who program them, in contexts linked to the port and the city of Genoa.

The project will continue with a further phase in which the humanoid robots will interact with passengers without the intermediation of researchers but only under the supervision of the reception staff of Stazioni Marittime.

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Alter Ego and Pepper at the Maritime Station (Genoa)
Author: Lucrezia Grassi (UniGe, Spoke 4)
Credits: UniGe, IIT, CNR-IRCrES and RAISE

Spoke 4’s quadruped robot for port safety

Posted on 12 June 202512 June 2025 by admin

Spoke 4 of RAISE has launched its field testing phase, marking a concrete step toward transforming ports into intelligent and sustainable ecosystems.

The initiative is part of the broader RAISE program and focuses on the Port of Genoa, where experimental activities have begun in the presence of academic, industrial, and institutional partners.

During the initial operational tests, attention was focused on the use of the quadruped robot Spot, developed by Boston Dynamics. This device, operated in both autonomous and teleoperated modes, will carry out monitoring missions in critical areas such as ship holds and hazardous materials storage zones.

The robot moves nimbly in confined spaces, overcomes obstacles and stairs, and can operate near workers autonomously and with greater efficiency.

The RICE Laboratory of the University of Genoa, which participates in Spoke 4 of RAISE, has programmed Spot to inspect potentially dangerous environments, thereby reducing workers’ exposure to risk.
In autonomous mode, the robot explores its surroundings, builds 3D maps, and makes decisions about where to go. Alternatively, an operator can control it in real time using a virtual reality headset, gaining visual feedback and data essential for assessing the situation.

This ongoing experiment serves as a strong example of collaboration between academia, institutions, and private stakeholders.
The Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, consistently committed to worker safety, has signed an agreement with the University of Genoa to support the development and testing of digital and robotic solutions in the port sector.
The company Ignazio Messina & C. has welcomed the initiative, offering its terminals for the testing phase. For the company, workplace safety remains a top priority, and it considers the adoption of innovative technologies essential to improving daily operations.

In addition to the use of autonomous robots, Spoke 4 also promotes interventions aimed at optimizing the logistics chain, reducing environmental impact, and introducing smart services in small and medium-sized ports.
Activities will continue in the coming months with further testing and technological development.

The project also involves young researchers and PhD candidates, such as Zoe Betta and Ali Yousefi, active in the RICE laboratory, who contribute to the development of innovative solutions with a tangible impact on safety and efficiency in port operations.

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RAISE launches pilot projects for the digital transition of ligurian ports

Posted on 29 May 202529 May 2025 by admin

RAISE takes a decisive step in the digitalization of the ports of the Western Ligurian Sea with the official launch of technological pilot projects. The signing of the framework agreement between the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority (AdSP) and the University of Genoa marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at promoting the adoption of advanced technologies in the ports of Genoa, Savona, and Vado Ligure.

The agreement strengthens an already active partnership between the AdSP and the University of Genoa and fits into the broader process of revising the Port Master Plans, initiated in 2022, which identifies technological innovation as a cornerstone for the sustainable and competitive development of port activities. The collaboration, structured according to the Hub&Spoke model, is developed within Spoke 4, “Smart and Sustainable Ports”, with the University of Genoa serving as the key hub for digitalization, sustainability, and innovation in port systems.

Spoke 4 involves five university departments (DIME, DIBRIS, DICCA, Economics, and DITEN) and a wide network of public and private partners, including research institutions such as CNR, IIT, ENEA, and INFN, and major national companies such as Fincantieri Nextech, Cetena, Leonardo, Engineering, Circle, and Aitek.

Project activities focus on applying artificial intelligence and robotics solutions to port operations, integrated freight and passenger traffic management, and environmental monitoring, with particular attention to data collection and analysis for the development of dynamic forecasting models.

The initiative has a dual objective: on the one hand, to enhance the efficiency and resilience of logistics operations, and on the other, to contribute to environmental sustainability through continuous monitoring of ecological parameters. The pilot projects will be carried out through living labs and operational pilot scenarios in the ports of Genoa and Savona, integrating technological solutions into infrastructure planning.

RAISE thus positions itself as a catalyst for innovation serving the Ligurian port system, fostering a synergistic interaction between scientific research, industry, and governance. The ongoing activities will make a substantial contribution to the drafting of the new Port Master Plans, guiding development strategies along paths aligned with the global challenges of digital and ecological transition.

Through this initiative, the RAISE ecosystem confirms its central role in strengthening the competitiveness of Italian ports, outlining a replicable model of cooperation among public entities, universities, and businesses for the sustainable modernization of the country’s logistics infrastructure.

The safest port thanks to AI applications in the recognition of dangerous goods in transit

Posted on 14 April 202514 April 2025 by admin

The Aitek company, within the Spoke 4 of RAISE, has created a new artificial intelligence (AI) module for the automatic recognition of IMO plates that identify dangerous goods transported by vehicles. This module is added to the Sesamo-Gate platform, specifically developed by Aitek for the automated control of transits at entry and exit gates

Dangerous goods are subject to strict provisions regarding transport, classification of dangers and identification of transported substances, including adequate labelling and marking.
In the port area, the main reference regulations are the Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

According to the universally adopted IMO codification, the dangerousness of the various materials is defined based on the risks that these substances pose to people and the environment; consequently, dangerous goods are divided into nine numbered classes, each of which represents a different type of danger.

Knowing in real time the type of goods that transit through the access points to the port every day is essential to guarantee the safety of port terminals and logistics hubs. Even more so in the case of dangerous goods such as chemical and/or toxic substances, explosives and flammable materials. The adoption of technological tools capable of facilitating the identification of IMO plates allows for the guarantee of safe methods of transport, storage and handling and helps prevent accidents or damage to the environment.

Furthermore, the acquisition of information on the number of vehicles transporting dangerous goods in transit and on their storage times within the terminal brings other advantages. In fact, it can allow port operators to carry out accurate analyses on the adequacy of infrastructures, such as parking areas, access gates and internal roads, as well as to verify the correctness of emergency and first aid procedures in the event of accidents.

Aitek‘s innovative solution was born as a development of the research and technology transfer activities of RAISE, Spoke 4, to which Aitek provides its contribution in the study and development of technologies to make ports increasingly “smart” and sustainable.

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Author: Aitek
Credits: Aitek, for the free use of RAISE

The testing facility: a solution to test robotic technologies with remote drone piloting in Spoke 4

Posted on 6 December 20246 December 2024 by admin

One of the objectives of RAISE’s Spoke 4, on the smart, sustainable and also safer port, is to study and develop new technological solutions for the adoption of digital, robotic and artificial intelligence technologies for the inspection of infrastructures, equipment and ships in ports.

The validation of the effectiveness of the technologies in the automatic detection of potential anomalies will be carried out in a dedicated testing facility, available at the Marine Structures Testing Lab of the University of Genoa. In this test environment, large-scale models of naval structures were reproduced, in different conditions of structural degradation.

The testing facility represents the first test platform in this field, proposed and operational at an international level, patented.

It is a modular construction, consisting of different operating stations, with the possibility of modifying the environmental characteristics in order to simulate the real conditions of an inspection (brightness, humidity, atmospheric agents, pollutants, etc.).

The testing facility is divided into three main sections.

The first (section A) consists of a reproduction of different environments on board a bulk cargo ship (a typical cargo hold, a double bottom, a double side and a ballast tank, with closed and narrow volumes, dark passages, in various conditions of degradation).

The second section (section B) is composed of various equipment specifically designed to test some characteristics of robotic platforms: ability to overcome obstacles, motion on inclined, oily or rusty surfaces, thickness measurement, flight in areas with air currents or water spray, etc.

The third section (section C) is finally formed by a series of ribbed panels that reproduce typical geometries of naval structures and intended for the development of autonomous functions of robots, including the ability to localize the robot itself and the defects detected in an environment with a repetitive structure.

Such a scenario, sufficiently complex, allows to evaluate the localization capabilities in space, the path planning and the possibilities of inspection coverage, both with remote piloting by an operator and with autonomous technologies. It is possible to perform real simulations of an inspection event, proposing a good variety of typical defects, including corrosion in its various forms, damage to the paint, cracks, fractures, distortions and mechanical damage of various kinds.

The human being, with his sensitivity, experience and ability is, to date, in fact, the best subject to make an analysis, used in the practice of naval inspections. Overcoming a tradition consolidated for decades implies, first of all, the ability to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of a robotic unit or a “digital technology” to support a human inspector.
It is first necessary to establish a common information exchange platform. If the human-machine interaction is now a relatively well-developed topic of study, the relationship between the pilot of a naval inspection robot and a naval inspector is not as in-depth.

The testing facility is therefore an innovative and pragmatic solution to “test” the robotic technologies being experimented in a specific controlled, economic and available test environment, with the aim of promoting extensive and articulated test campaigns.

The next step within RAISE will be, as Cesare Mario Rizzo (UniGe, Spoke 4) pointed out: “To make these inspections remote: the human inspector will be able to receive a data flow directly in his office, remotely”.

Lorenzo Ivaldi (UniGe, Spoke 4) added: “The digital part of the project will mainly focus on the positioning of the cameras for the video flows…The project is based on the management of the drones by an external party, so we will have to define the minimum number of cameras needed, the maximum amount of data that can be conveyed with the remote encrypted connection, the return feedback. In the coming months we will do some tests on the positioning (of the cameras) and on the sizing of the video flows, to optimally evaluate the problems of communication and remote piloting of the drones”.

Humanoid and quadruped robots for more welcoming and safe ports

Posted on 4 November 20246 November 2024 by admin

On november 2nd, on the stage of the talk area at the RAISE Village, Zoe Betta and Lucrezia Grassi from the RICE Laboratory of the University of Genoa presented a conference titled “Humanoid and Quadruped Robots for More Welcoming and Safe Ports”. The conference explored the potential of robots in interacting with people and ensuring safety in complex port environments.

During the event, two innovative projects were presented as part of Spoke 4 of the RAISE project, aimed at advancing robotics in social and security fields.

The first project involves the development of a cloud-based, diversity-sensitive conversational system designed for social robots like Pepper. This humanoid robot has been customized to welcome tourists at the Maritime Station of Genoa, providing information and collecting feedback on visitors’ experiences.

The second project focuses on port security through the quadruped robot Spot by Boston Dynamics. Spot has been programmed to carry out autonomous monitoring missions, including cargo hold inspections and monitoring of hazardous goods yards, enhancing safety for both workers and goods.

This initiative represents a significant step forward for technological innovation in the port sector, where advanced robots like Pepper and Spot contribute to making operations more efficient and secure.

“The real advantage of having my project within an ecosystem like RAISE, in my opinion, lies in the richness that arises from interaction and collaboration with entities that are very different from those I’m used to working with. Thanks to this experience, I have the opportunity to collaborate not only with other research organizations but also with more operational entities like the Port Authority, which deals with concrete and immediate applications. This cross-pollination allows me to envision new applications for the project, discovering how our solutions can be useful in contexts I might not have considered at the outset. Furthermore, the interaction with other research groups, often more experienced or with complementary expertise to mine, enriches the work in unexpected ways, offering a concrete and short-term feasibility perspective”, commented Zoe Betta at the end of the conference.

“The added value of participating in an ecosystem like RAISE with our project primarily lies in the ability to test our system, called CAIR (Cloud Artificial Intelligence and Robotics), already registered with the SIAE before RAISE started, in different contexts. Thanks to its advanced architecture, CAIR can automatically adapt to various populations and environments, allowing us to experiment with it in very different fields. This versatility is one of its greatest strengths, as it makes it suitable for both the healthcare sector within Spoke 2 and visitor reception in port areas within Spoke 4. Participating in RAISE has given us the opportunity to establish valuable collaborations with leading organizations, such as the Unipolar Spinal Unit at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure, the Italian Institute of Technology, the National Research Council, and Maritime Stations. Additionally, RAISE offers us greater visibility, allowing us to showcase our work at events like the Science Festival and Robot Valley, where we gain valuable feedback from the public,” added Lucrezia Grassi.

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Alter-ego welcomes and accompanies visitors at Galata Museo del Mare: a Spoke 4 project

Posted on 11 October 202414 October 2024 by admin

From 9 to 11 October at Galata Museo del Mare “Alter-Ego”, the humanoid robot designed by the IIT, accompanied visitors to discover the permanent exhibition at the fourth floor of the museum as part of a RAISE Spoke 4 project .

“Alter-Ego”, after an initial test phase, is finally ready to welcome visitors and it did so on the fourth floor of the Galata Museo del Mare, in the Clerici room where it helped visitors on discovering news and curiosities regarding the works of the permanent exhibition Navigare nell’Arte, of the Paolo and Giuliana Clerici Foundation.

For the first time, a humanoid robot from IIT is being tested inside a Genoese museum: the objective of this project is to optimize the visitors’ experience.

The University of Genoa and CNR will analyze the results to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in increasing the attractiveness of some museum rooms.

Alter-Ego, developed by the Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation research unit coordinated by Antonio Bicchi, is a humanoid robot approximately 140 cm high, which moves on wheels and is equipped with poly-articulated hands, used to interface with the surroundings by opening doors and grabbing objects. Designed to function as a robotic avatar of humans, Alter-Ego can operate in two modes: remote controlled by a human operator via visor and joystick, or in autonomous mode interacting socially with those around it. The latter, developed in collaboration with the IIT COgNiTive Architecture for Collaborative Technologies unit coordinated by Alessandra Sciutti, is the one that was visible inside the museum, where the robot interacted independently and immediately with the visitors.

“As part of the PNRR project and in collaboration with UNIGE and CNR, we brought our robot Alter-Ego to Galata to support the visit to the exhibition “Navigare nell’arte”.
Alter-Ego welcomes visitors at the entrance to the exhibition with a voice and natural movements that immediately put the visitor at ease. Through new artificial intelligence technologies, Alter-ego presents the contents of the exhibition and understands the visitor’s preferences through targeted questions. Based on preferences, the robot creates a personalized visit route that can also take into account any perceptual or motor difficulties of the visitor. This gives us the possibility of understanding how an autonomous robot can assist individuals in explorations of a real environment with the support of many digital contents, which would otherwise be difficult to communicate, and regarding what is preserved in the environment.” Comments Francesco Rea from the COgNiTive Architecture for Collaborative Technologies Lab of IIT who followed and coordinated the phases of the demonstrator carried out at the Galata Museo del Mare.