Princess Anne came face to face with an unusual greeting partner during her visit to Korea University in Seoul.
The princess shook hands with a humanoid robot as part of an engagement focusing on the future of science and technology.
At the university’s smart mobility lab, the Princess Royal watched as the advanced machine demonstrated its capabilities, moving rapidly back and forth across the room before stopping to wave to her.
The unexpected gesture elicited a smile from Anne, who then stepped forward in her navy day gloves to shake the robot’s hand.
Anne took great interest in discussions about how the robot learns movement, including the use of trial-and-error methods and simulation techniques that allow it to develop and improve its capabilities.
Along with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Princess Royal also observed a dual-arm robot working with a motion capture system and learned more about developments in smart mobility and robotics.
Following the conclusion of her visit to South Korea, Princess Anne is set to travel to Thailand on Thursday for the next leg of her overseas tour.
During her time in Thailand, the Princess Royal will visit a Bangkok school supported by Save the Children Thailand, meet the Thai Prime Minister and hold an audience with the King and Queen of Thailand.
