OIT Library Robot Guides Users to Desired Books

Osaka Institute of Technology (President: Shinya Inoue) will introduce the library support robot 'Romi' at the Omiya Main Library from July 15 for approximately one month. By pre-loading floor layouts and book data, the robot guides users to the exact shelf location of desired books upon search, and also conducts regular patrols to assist visitors. This is the first time such a robot has been introduced in a university or school library in Japan. Given the university's diverse research labs in robotics, information technology, architecture, and more, the initiative aims to let students experience the potential of robots in daily life support and stimulate their academic and developmental interests.

【Key Points】

● First introduction of a library support robot in a Japanese university or school library

● Capable of guiding users to bookshelves by pre-loading floor plans and library data

● Designed to inspire students' research and development through exposure to assistive robotics

Library Support Robot 'Romi'

Romi is a humanoid robot approximately 120 cm in height. Developed and manufactured in 2024 by Bibliotheca (headquartered in Switzerland), a company that provides library management and security systems to over 30,000 libraries across 21 countries. The robot moves autonomously and supports eight languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Users can operate the touchscreen on the robot’s front to perform tasks such as book checkouts, returns, catalog searches, and viewing book covers or featured titles. Romi has been showcased at events like the American Library Association conference, drawing attention as an example of how digital technology can support human activities in future libraries.

1. Period: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Sunday, August 23, 2026

2. Location: 4th Floor, Omiya Main Library, Building 5, Omiya Campus, Osaka Institute of Technology (5-16-1 Omiya, Asahi Ward, Osaka City)

3. Admission: General visitors must complete entry procedures at the reception and disaster prevention center next to the university’s main gate.

4. Others: Entry is not possible on library closure days. For details, please visit the Osaka Institute of Technology Library website: https://www.oit.ac.jp/japanese/toshokan/