A robot is set to appear in front of MPs next week to give evidence on artificial intelligence and robotics. It is thought to be the first time a non-human will appear as a witness before the UK parliament. Pepper the robot is part of an international research project that aims to develop the world’s first culturally aware robots that can help care for elderly people. On Tuesday, the education committee will ask Pepper about the implications for education of developments in artificial intelligence. MPs will also hear about Pepper’s work with students at Middlesex University, which includes an initiative involving teaching primary level children. During the meeting, Pepper will give a demonstration and then MPs will look at how robots can be an asset to learning and how droids can transform workplaces. Committee chair Robert Halfon told Tes that discussing the role of robots is important. He said: “If we’ve got the march of the robots, we perhaps need the march of the robots to our select committee to give evidence. “This is not about someone bringing an electronic toy robot and doing a demonstration, it’s about showing the potential of robotics and artificial intelligence and the impact it has on skills.” Additional reporting by PA.
A robot called Pepper is set to give evidence on AI and robotics in the UK Parliament. Photograph: The evidence will include a demonstration by Pepper of how robots can be utilised in the future.