Visitors to certain Smithsonian museums in the nation's capital this spring may be greeted by a wide-eyed robot named Pepper.
The Smithsonian says that humanoid Pepper robots have been deployed in six Smithsonian spaces in an experimental program to test how robot technology can enhance visitor experience and educational offerings. News outlets report the 4-foot tall robot answers frequently asked questions. Pepper can also pose for pictures, dance and tell stories. And it will even translate phrases at the National Museum of African Art.
Visitors can also find Pepper at the Hirshhorn Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The robots were donated to the Smithsonian as part of a gift by Softbank Robotics.