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Emma: Bulgaria’s first humanoid robot is redefining the library experience

Who would have thought a library could feel so futuristic? Yet, that’s exactly what visitors to Varna Regional Library are discovering with the arrival of Emma, Bulgaria’s first humanoid robot. She’s not just a high-tech addition; she’s a sign of how traditional public spaces can embrace innovation while staying true to their mission of serving the community.

A helping hand—or perhaps, a helping robot

So, what’s Emma all about? Picture this: you walk into the library, unsure where to start. Maybe you are looking for a specific book, or you want to explore digital resources but don’t know how. Instead of wandering around aimlessly, you are greeted by Emma—a sleek, friendly robot who can answer your questions and point you in the right direction. She’s not intimidating. In fact, she’s designed to feel approachable, speaks fluent Bulgarian, and offers help with a smile (well, a digital one). Children love her, older visitors are curious about her, and everyone seems to have at least one question they want to ask.

Emma isn’t just a novelty for Varna; she’s a milestone for Bulgaria. It’s the first time a public space in the country has integrated such advanced AI into its services. And while robots like her are becoming more common globally, her presence in a library—a place so deeply associated with tradition—is what makes this so unique. What’s particularly exciting is how the library plans to use Emma beyond her day-to-day duties. She’s at the centre of new educational programmes, including robotics workshops and AI demonstrations for young learners. The goal? To inspire the next generation of innovators and show them that technology is not something to fear but to explore.

Challenges in blending tech with tradition

Of course, not everyone is convinced. Some visitors have wondered: doesn’t a robot take away the human touch that makes libraries unique? It’s a fair concern and one the library staff has addressed head-on. “Emma doesn’t replace us,” a librarian explained. “She just takes care of the routine stuff—directions, FAQs—so we can focus on the more meaningful parts of our work.” It’s a partnership, not a replacement, and early feedback suggests that visitors appreciate having both human and robotic assistance.

A look to the future

What’s in store for Emma next? It depends. Emma’s achievements in Varna may pave the way for similar initiatives across Bulgaria or inspire other Balkan countries to test AI in public services. For now, she is a testament to how technology can invigorate even the staidest of environments. Libraries have always been about connection, discovery, and learning. Emma magnifies that, not changes it. The next time you leave the Varna Library, though, you may be taking not just a book but also a story home with you, one that involves a helpful robot that aided you in its quest to help find a book you were looking for.

George Mavridis is a journalist currently conducting his doctoral research at the Department of Journalism and Mass Media at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). He holds a degree from the same department, as well as a Master’s degree in Media and Communication Studies from Malmö University, Sweden, and a second Master’s degree in Digital Humanities from Linnaeus University, Sweden. In 2024, he completed his third Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technologies: Law and Policy at AUTH. Since 2010, he has been professionally involved in journalism and communication, and in recent years, he has also turned to book writing.