Feb 13 • 14:15 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

HELP, a robot took away the bookshelf!

A new era of library service at the Oodi library in Helsinki features robots that move bookshelves and assist with organizing books.

In the heart of Helsinki, the Oodi City Library showcases a unique blend of traditional library quietness and advanced robotics. Patrons working quietly on computers may suddenly notice a nearby bookshelf moving as if it has a life of its own. This intriguing phenomenon, however, is the library's innovative way of incorporating technology into its operations, creating a more interactive experience for visitors.

The Oodi library, praised as one of the Nordic architectural gems, is not just a place for reading and studying. Beyond its appealing façade, inside lies a world where robots enhance the functionality of the library. As readers delve into today's news or enjoy the view of central Helsinki, they may be surprised by a robot that appears from the floor, illustrating the library’s commitment to modernization while still retaining its essential role as a community haven.

These robots, including mobile platforms and robotic arms in the storage areas, play an essential role in managing the books. They not only move books according to demand but also assist in fetching volumes from the shelves and placing them in designated boxes. This innovative assistance allows human staff to focus more on customer service and enhances overall efficiency, indicating a significant shift in how libraries could operate in the future.

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