Russian Media Group launches scientific experiment to train a robot journalist

DFM Radio, which is part of the Russian Media Group, and the editorial staff of Youth of Moscow, in partnership with Neuroproduction, are launching a scientific experiment to train a robot journalist. The project "Nick: the Pioneer robot" combines media, science and advanced artificial intelligence technologies, opening a new page in the development of urban journalism.

The main character of the project is an anthropomorphic robot named Nick, working on the basis of artificial intelligence. Equipped with speech recognition, computer vision, and voice synthesis systems, Nick will be able to communicate with people, analyze the environment, and make reports. He will walk the streets of Moscow, visit parks, museums, public spaces, test city services – metro, carsharing, Mosbilet – and share his discoveries in video reports. Viewers will see how the robot learns not only to collect information, but also to understand the emotions, context and atmosphere of the city, as well as interact with people in real time.

The goal is to show how artificial intelligence can expand the possibilities of journalism and become a new tool for learning about the city. Nick will help collect data, create interactive content, and analyze the urban environment, complementing human work in areas where speed, accuracy, and technology are important.

"For DFM Radio, working with an anthropomorphic robot is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the interaction of humans, technology, and media. We see how artificial intelligence is becoming a part of the modern media process, helping to create fresh formats and expand the boundaries of the familiar broadcast. Russian Russian Media Group's Nick robot will be a continuation of the work of the Russian Media Group on the integration of classical radio and digital tools," said Dmitry Mednikov, Managing Director of the Russian Media Group.

The project is being implemented with the participation of a Russian company developing solutions based on neural networks and robotics. The company is responsible for the technological part of the experiment: the development of neural network modules, recognition systems, multimodal content and audiovisual generation. The project explores how AI in an anthropomorphic form can become a full participant in urban dialogue, while maintaining a humanistic and exploratory approach to humans and space.

"This is a significant experiment for our editorial staff. We want to understand how modern technologies can expand the possibilities of journalism and help us interact with the urban environment in a new way. The Nickname robot will allow us to look at familiar processes from a different angle and try new formats of working with the audience. We are confident that this experience will provide us with valuable observations and ideas for future projects," said Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.