Robot “Avdotya” Preserves Russia’s Cultural Heritage
A new generation of intelligent robots is helping reinvent libraries as modern, tech-driven cultural hubs.
In the Russian city of Ryazan, a humanoid robot librarian named Avdotya has joined the staff of the Bereginya Library. The initiative is part of Russia’s national projects aimed at modernizing cultural institutions and reimagining libraries as dynamic public spaces that attract visitors of all ages.
Avdotya guides tours, shares information about the region, and even recognizes regular visitors. The upgraded Bereginya Library also features a redesigned interior, new furniture, thousands of freshly acquired books, and an interactive “fairy-tale well,” which introduces children to folklore and traditional crafts through immersive storytelling.
The Robot Librarian as a Symbol of Digital Transformation
The introduction of Avdotya highlights the ongoing digital transformation of Russia’s cultural sector. This project demonstrates how technology can preserve and promote a nation’s historical heritage while making it engaging for younger generations.
The Ryazan initiative has become a model for creating “smart” cultural spaces, showing how robotics and AI can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation—an approach that could inspire similar projects worldwide.
