A walking, talking, interactive humanoid robot is set to take lectures for engineering students studying at a Kent university.

RoboThespian will give an insight into some of the most sophisticated robotic technology developed in the UK after taking up residence at the University of Greenwich’s Faculty of Engineering and Science.

The £60,000 robot, which will be based at the institution’s Medway campus in Chatham Maritime, is designed to interact with people and provide a platform for academic research and study.

Its main role will be to help students consider how robotic technology could be adopted in the future in the home or work environment.

Operated using a touch screen console, RoboThespian moves with a series of air compressors and motors, and stands on a base from where it can move its limbs, speak and interact.

The investment marks an important step in the university’s plans to establish a robotics laboratory at its Medway campus.

Professor Simeon Keates, Dean of Engineering, said: “We believe RoboThespian will inspire our students and the local community and demonstrate how we could use robotic devices through smart technologies, environments, entertainments and in areas such as telecare, in the future.

“It is important that our students have the opportunity to work closely with this emerging new technology and help us develop ways of improving the interaction between humans and robots on repetitive tasks.

“We will also be taking RoboThespian to visit local schools as we believe it will spark young peoples’ interest in a career in robotics, engineering and design.”