Čapek’s robot was set in motion at the Strž memorial using an interactive app

Prague, June 1st, 2022. In the Karel Čapek Memorial in Stará Huť near Dobříš, the CESNET association has prepared an interactive application Robot for children. The application is guided by a digital figure of a robot. It is based on Čapek’s original figure made of metal and wood, which was lent to the developers by Josef Čapek’s granddaughter Kateřina Dostálová. Visitors to the memorial can navigate the figure in a virtual garden that faithfully replicates the actual outdoor environment of the memorial. In doing so, they perform various tasks and in a fun way learn interesting facts about Karel Čapek’s books, his brother Josef’s illustrations and life in Strž, as the area where the writer’s summer residence is located is called.

The application includes a number of related digital 3D objects. CESNET experts have created a 3D model of the monument using photogrammetry and photographs taken from a drone in cooperation with the ImproLab laboratory of the Faculty of Information Technology of the Czech Technical University.

“For the digitisation of the robot figurine using macro-photography, careful processing managed to virtually loosen and move the complex joints of the robot figure, thus allowing it to move in virtual space. The figure can walk smoothly according to visitors’ commands, i.e. as a robot should do it,” says Sven Ubik, Head of Technology for Network Applications at CESNET.

The app is accessible in a special kiosk, which is part of the memorial’s exhibition. The control is intuitive using a touch screen and a 3D mouse. The app was developed in the Unity game engine, which combines realistic 3D models created using photogrammetry with virtual environments, such as animated trees or grass, and interactive quizzes or mini-games. These are based on historical materials from the memorial’s collection.

As with previous installations of digitised cultural heritage carried out by CESNET in collaboration with major institutions, the kiosk in Strž has an internet connection for remote management and updating.

Details about the creation of the app can be found at: http://modely.cesnet.cz/robot-detem
An info video about the app is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj2MvfDQmP0

CESNET was founded in 1996 by universities and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Its aim is to operate and develop ICT services that form the national e-infrastructure for research, development, and education e-INFRA CZ. Research and development in the field of information and communication technologies are also an integral part of its activities. CESNET is an active partner in a number of foreign research infrastructures, such as the pan-European network for research, development, and education GÉANT, the European Grid Infrastructure EGI.eu, and the European Open Science Infrastructure EOSC. More at  www.cesnet.cz, www. e-infra.cz.