Unlock the history behind the word ‘robot’ at the Czech Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai

DUBAI: A play starring robots, the illumination of a robot statue, and a seminar devoted to robotics and Artificial Intelligence marked the Czech Pavilion’s celebration of the country’s invention of the word ‘robot.’

Coined in the Czech Republic, then known as Czechoslovakia, around 100 years ago, ‘robot’ was first uttered on the stage of the National Theatre in Prague, introduced to the world by the Čapek brothers, Josef and Karel, who wrote plays and short stories together.

To commemorate the centenary, the Czech Pavilion hosted ‘Robot Radius’, a play staged at the Dubai Exhibition Centre by the ‘Nová scéna’ of the Laterna Magika National Theatre.

The show, which depicts the duel of the last human on Earth with robotic technology as it attempts to take over the world, probes climate change, the prevalence of artificial intelligence, and ethical issues regarding genetic engineering – all supported by state-of-the-art stage technology that allows the performers to control events on screen in real-time through motion and music. It was attended by HE Jiri Slavik, Ambassador of Czech Republic in the UAE; Jiri Frantisek Potuznik, Commissioner General of the Czech Republic Pavilion; and Jan Burian, Director of Czech National Theatre.

Earlier, the Czech Pavilion hosted an ‘AI, Robot’ seminar to showcase robotic innovations from start-ups across the country, and ceremoniously illuminated Victoria Robotorum – a granite robot sculpture at the entrance of the pavilion. Created by Jaroslav Róna from a single granite monolith – a result of four years of work – the statue arrived in Dubai after an eight-week voyage from Prague.

Source: Expo 2020 website