Why Leicester residents are texting statues

As part of the Leicester Art AI festival, people are being encouraged to interact with local landmarks such as statues, sculptures and murals via an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot.

The installation, which uses technology from UK start-up Hello Lamp Post, aims to help citizens learn more about their city and its history as well as provide feedback on the city centre and their opinions about AI.

The system has been programmed with data about 16 points of interest in Leicester, including the War Memorial, the King Richard III, Gandhi, and Alice Hawkins statues, and the Lion Fountain. Signage directs residents to start a conversation via text message. They receive an automated reply ...