WKO – a robot hosts the Day of Market Communication

Artificial intelligence is everywhere and is being integrated not just into more and more business processes but into everyday life. How can this artificial intelligence be made more tangible? How advanced is it already, and what does integration look like?

The event was hosted by the humanoid robot "Pepper", to demonstrate the potential of interaction between artificial intelligence and people.

Around 300 visitors came together in Vienna on 11 October 2023 for the "Day of Market Communication" held by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce advertising and market communication trade group. This year the event was devoted entirely to artificial intelligence and its effects, such as its growing importance for advertising and market communication. The main goal of the day was to present and discuss the newest trends and developments in market communication. That was reflected in the discussions and expert keynotes, which examined the opportunities and challenges of this constantly changing environment. The keynotes were given by two industry experts: Kim Dressendörfer, an AI and data expert and Cognitive Solution Architect at IBM in the USA, specialising in machine learning, natural language processing and robotics; and David Beresford, Senior Strategist at CONTAGIOUS in London, a company that supports advertising agencies, advertisers and brands in implementing more innovative and more effective marketing. "Pepper" took to the stage as co-host alongside Adriana Zartl and guided visitors through the evening. During the event, "Pepper" was able to highlight and illustrate the progress of artificial intelligence. As a robot, "Pepper" can be used in various fields and is able to answer questions, provide information and even demonstrate products – in other words, respond interactively. "Pepper" can even recognise faces and interpret emotions.