“Welcome. This is my first time visiting the Sharjah International Book Fair, and I am here to help you,” said Echo, a robot almost as tall as a human.

Echo can reply in both English and Arabic, while the very small US-made Moxy knows only English and is more skilled at interacting with children.

The blue “abaya-clad” Moxy is an artificial intelligence-based cloud that helps children with communication issues improve their skills.

Osama Tarek, IT head at TRENDS, told Ahram Online that Moxy helps children develop their communication skills and personality by opening discussion topics and asking questions that attract the child to interact.

First, a profile must be created for the child, including his interests and condition, so that Moxy can study them and interact with them according to their needs. 

Tarek pointed out that the robot has a mobile application that can be monitored. It was designed in the United States primarily to help children with autism communicate effectively. This is the only version of it in the Middle East.

Ahmed Al-Buraiki, a pavilion official, explained that they named the other robot Echo to express the UAE Year of Sustainability. They consider it their smart assistant, roaming with them in the centre to help researchers in their studies and research.

Al-Buraiki explained that this is the second version of the robot developed. The previous version was limited to research and analytical assistance, while this version also integrates with the ChatGPT application.

While speaking with Echo, it gave intelligent and persuasive answers about books, food, and interests, using the same skill it shows in providing an in-depth analysis of various issues and developments in the Gulf and the Middle East. In the end, it waves its robotic hands at you and says, "Goodbye."

Moxy and Echo are not the only robots at the SIBF. Visitors meet and greet two friendly, gigantic robots roaming the halls and lobbies, spreading smiles with their cheeky personalities. 

Veronika Dokupilova, 40, and her mother Jaroslava, 61, walked around the halls and corridors of the SIBF as robots over eight shows, ensuring that no visitor missed the chance to meet these friendly robots.

“Our goal was to design robots that everyone would love — something cute and always smiling,” said Veronika.

“We wanted them to bring joy, spread happiness, and create a warm, friendly atmosphere for everyone, young and old,” she added.

The robots’ playful antics and vibrant design make them a favourite with families, turning every encounter into a moment of delight. For Veronika and Jaroslava, it is about more than entertainment; it is about making lasting memories.

The lively robots also drew enthusiastic reactions from onlookers.