An unusual guide, the robot orients tourists in the museum of Italy
News
Express newspaper
27/04/2026 8:53
Italy is testing the R1 robot guide at Turin’s Palazzo Madama to ease overcrowding and improve accessibility, explaining centuries-old works of art to visitors.
The robot, known as R1, can move on wheels and explain exhibits using built-in AI, helping visitors navigate the narrow corridors in the historic building.
The project, supported by €4 million in funding from the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme and its partners, including the University of Genoa and Robert Bosch GmbH, has been under development for around six weeks since the end of March.
Engineers say the robot uses sensors and cameras to avoid obstacles and adjust its path in real time, and can reorient itself if necessary by re-imagining the surrounding environment.
According to museum officials, the robot is intended to support staff rather than replace them, especially at busy times when visitor numbers can increase by about 30%.
Early feedback suggests strong public interest, with more than 80% of users reporting positive interactions, although some visitors remain unsure of how to engage with the bot and still prefer human guides for detailed explanations.