A robot at Punto Città in Lugano to study interaction with citizens

The City of Lugano, in collaboration with the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA USI-SUPSI), has launched a pilot project focused on the interaction between robots and citizens. This initiative aims to explore the integration of autonomous technologies into public life within a real urban context. Today, an autonomous robot was present at Puntocittà in Lugano centre to study the behaviours and social dynamics that arise from the interactions between citizens, artificial intelligence, and robotics. The project was developed by researchers at IDSIA and is supervised by the Lugano Living Lab, the city's urban laboratory dedicated to innovation.

A concrete and engaging study

The robot moved freely within the Puntocittà spaces and, equipped with an AI environmental perception module, could recognise individuals who might be interested in interacting. To encourage spontaneous contact, the robot would approach and make a small gesture, such as offering a leaflet. Specifically, the project aims to

• study the interaction between citizens and robots in a real environment, without direct human mediation;
• evaluate the behaviour of artificial intelligence algorithms developed by IDSIA, collecting data in a strictly anonymous form for scientific purposes.

Timing and modus operandi

The test took place on 10 July, with possible backup dates scheduled for 28 and 30 July. The robot operated for several hours, always under the discreet supervision of two technicians, to ensure the experiment's smooth running without influencing the public's reactions. The robot does not collect personal data, and an information sheet was set up for the public at the entrance of Puntocittà.

Lugano as an urban laboratory

This experiment consolidates Lugano's position as a city laboratory for social and technological innovation, enhancing public spaces as places of exploration and dialogue between citizens and new technologies. The collaboration with IDSIA also contributes to strengthening the link between scientific research and the region, laying the foundations for a collective reflection on the role of artificial intelligence in everyday urban life.