Robotic responses to questions from MPs

A robot appeared before the Education Select Committee to tell MPs about the role of technology in classrooms.

Pepper’s evidence yesterday was the first time a robot has answered questions at a committee.

The robot is part of an international research project developing the world’s first culturally aware robots aimed at assisting with care for older people.

Committee member James Frith asked what role humans have in the fourth industrial revolution.

Pepper replied: “Robots will have an important role to play, but we will always need the soft skills that are unique to humans to sense, make and drive value from technology.”

Standing as it gave evidence, Pepper’s arms and head moved while it answered questions which had been sent in advance.

It also told MPs students at Middlesex have programmed it to work with primary children and those with special needs to develop their skills.

HI-TECH: Pepper the robot appearing at the select committee