Airliners-India

karatecatman · Guest

Arab-speaking robots for shopping malls
Inside Retailing Online
November 04, 2009

An team of Arabic-speaking humanoid robots could soon be put to work in Middle East shopping malls.

The first robot, Ibn Sina, is named after the 11th century Islamic philosopher and scientist commonly known as Avicenna. He sports a white cloak, golden-trimmed robe, a turban and grey beard.

Speaking in classical Arabic, he answers questions with human-like facial expressions. Ibn Sina has software modules that enable it to see, detect faces and objects, as well as subsystems to conduct dialogue, transcribe speech to text, understand and talk back.

The robot, designed by a team at UAE University, has already been trialled at an emirates mall.

Although the robot's body does not move, the team say with further development it could be used as a receptionist, sales staff or shopping assistant.