Robots and artificial intelligence take centre stage in the new exhibition at L'ideatorio

From Saturday, 13 September, USI's L'ideatorio launches "Robots. From automatons to artificial intelligence", an interactive exhibition exploring robots and AI. The new season also includes planetariums, workshops, studios and the theatre review on sustainability "Ora tocca a noi".

In today's highly digitalised world, we increasingly rely on technology to assist us with our daily tasks, whether at home, school, or work. Sophisticated robots now navigate our homes, cleaning and entertaining our children, while artificial intelligence serves as a companion for studying, working, and engaging in conversation. In some instances, these technologies have even replaced human involvement. But what exactly is a robot, and what is artificial intelligence? How do they function? What risks and opportunities do their use present to us humans? Are there limits? What sets us apart from them?

Starting on Saturday, 13 September, you can explore these highly topical (and sensitive) issues at L'ideatorio in Cadro, where "Robots. From automatons to artificial intelligence" will be inaugurated. An interactive exhibition for humans aged 6 to 99, to discover what lies inside robots and artificial intelligence and reflect on what distinguishes us from them. With various interactive modules, games, and demonstrations, the exhibition delves into the fascinating world of robotics and addresses the challenges posed by AI. Schools and the general public are invited to engage, experiment, and contemplate these technologies and their impact on our lives.

The contents of the exhibition dedicated to robotics were created by the Espace des Inventions in Lausanne, while those relating to artificial intelligence were developed by L'ideatorio-USI in collaboration with the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA USI-SUPSI), as part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Astronomy, sustainability and wonder: L'ideatorio is back

The new season at L'ideatorio, in addition to the interactive exhibition previously mentioned, features a diverse range of programmes for both schools and the general public, extending from Lugano to Airolo. The offerings include various shows at the planetariums, conferences, educational workshops for students, and public workshops. Additionally, there will be training courses and participatory projects available.

There will be plenty of new features, including a new educational programme for schools at Villa Saroli, focusing on experiments to discover air. Another important new addition this year, in collaboration with the USI's House of Sustainability, is the theatre festival "Ora tocca a noi" (Now it's our turn), with shows in Biasca, Acquarossa and Bellinzona, inviting us to laugh, reflect and take action in a changing world that requires new perspectives and ways of being. The full programme can be found on the website: https://www.ideatorio.usi.ch

Activities for schools are now open, Monday to Friday, until 17 June 2026. Registration is required. For the general public, the exhibition venue in Cadro will be open on weekends from 2 pm to 6 pm (starting on Saturday, 13 September).

USI's L'ideatorio in Cadro

L'ideatorio is the service of Università della Svizzera italiana that promotes scientific culture and fosters dialogue between science and society. It serves as the regional branch of the Science et Cité Foundation, which is a centre of expertise for the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. It enjoys the valuable support of the City of Lugano. Since 2005, it has been dedicated to encouraging critical and informed discussions about science in society. It is now recognised nationally as one of the four main centres promoting STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over the past 20 years, L'ideatorio has engaged nearly 240,000 visitors and hosted over 6,000 school classes.