MILANO. The first conference in Italy moderated by a humanoid robot was staged in the Organics Sky Garden in Milan, proposed by the Nordic Ski Val di Fiemme committee on the occasion of the presentation of the 19th edition of the Tour de Ski, which will take place from 3rd to 5 January between the cross-country stadium of Lago di Tesero and Alpe Cermis.
The humanoid robot was developed by Oversonic between the Carate Brianza headquarters and the Rovereto mechatronics hub.
“The Province invests and will continue to invest in sport in general and in the events that bring Trentino into homes all over the world, as the Tour de Ski does. In Val di Fiemme every year something unique, incredible happens, to thanks to the Nordic Ski Val di Fiemme organizing committee which works with passion, quality and involves competent volunteers, becoming an example also for other national realities”, commented Gerosa.
Satisfaction in the “Nordic Ski val di Fiemme” committee chaired by Pietro De Godenzwhich – according to a note – is preparing for a winter full of events before the Fiemme Fis Summer Nordic Festival in September 2025 and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games winter winter events in Milan Cortina 2026.
How has public perception of humanoid robots changed over recent years, especially after events like the one in Italy?
Interview between Time.News Editor and AI Expert on the First Conference Moderated by a Humanoid Robot in Italy
Time.News Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and welcome to this special segment of Time.News. Today, we have a fascinating guest with us, Dr. Elena Rossi, an AI expert and researcher focused on the integration of robotics in everyday life. Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Rossi (ER): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Just recently, Italy held its first conference moderated by a humanoid robot at the Organics Sky Garden in Milan. This event marked a significant milestone in the use of AI and robotics in public forums. What was your initial reaction when you heard about it?
ER: Honestly, I was thrilled! Using a humanoid robot as a moderator is a remarkable demonstration of how far we’ve come in robotics and AI. It reflects not only technological advancement but also a shift in how we perceive interaction in professional environments.
TNE: Definitely! The conference was organized by the Nordic Ski Val di Fiemme committee for the presentation of the 19th edition of the Tour de Ski. How do you think the involvement of a robot influenced the atmosphere of the event?
ER: I think the robot added a unique dynamic. Guests were likely intrigued and engaged, sparking conversations about the future of technology in sports and beyond. Not only does it highlight innovation, but it also challenges traditional conventions, making the event more memorable.
TNE: That’s an interesting point. Many people might wonder about the effectiveness of a robot in such a role. In your opinion, do humanoid robots convey information and facilitate discussions as well as human moderators?
ER: While humanoid robots can manage tasks like moderating discussions and providing information, the nuances of human interaction are complex. A robot can deliver facts precisely, but it may lack emotional intelligence and personal anecdotes that enrich conversations. We are still discovering the right balance of human and robot interactions.
TNE: So, it seems there’s a long way to go before robots can fully replace humans in such roles. What do you foresee as the potential future of humanoid robots in contexts like this?
ER: In the future, I envision a collaborative approach—where robots assist human moderators, providing data and organizing discussions while humans add that invaluable touch of empathy and personal experience. They could serve as tools to enrich our interactions rather than replace them entirely.
TNE: That sounds promising! The integration of technology in events like these raises questions about acceptance. How do you think the public’s perception of humanoid robots has evolved, especially in light of this event?
ER: The public’s perception is indeed evolving. Events like this show that robots can perform complex tasks in public spaces. As we witness more such interactions, it’s likely that acceptance will grow, especially if we can demonstrate the benefits of these technologies in enhancing experiences rather than replacing human roles.
TNE: A compelling viewpoint. Dr. Rossi, if you could give one piece of advice to organizations considering incorporating robots into their events, what would it be?
ER: I would advise them to start small and maintain a human touch. Experiment with a humanoid robot, but ensure that there are people present who can relate to the audience. The goal should be to enhance the experience and prepare for a future where robots and humans can work together seamlessly.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insightful thoughts on this groundbreaking event. The implications of robots in our lives are undoubtedly exciting and complex!
ER: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for technology, and I look forward to seeing how it develops in the coming years.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay curious, and we’ll see you next time on Time.News!