Zentrum für Kunst und Medien (ZKM) in Karlsruhe, Germany, has introduced a free electronic petting zoo featuring artificial intelligence–driven guinea pigs, combining interactive art with research into how people respond to digital companions.
The exhibition, which opened on Nov. 30, allows visitors to interact with ten AI-powered guinea pigs known as “Booboos,” each programmed with a distinct personality. The project expands on earlier experiments in virtual and robotic pets by placing multiple artificial animals in a shared, public setting.
See also: Robot Bartender Powered by Nvidia Technology Debuts at Las Vegas Hockey Arena
Each guinea pig displays exaggerated behavioral traits, such as strong preferences for certain scents, sleeping habits or orderliness. According to the project description, these characteristics are intended to demonstrate how clearly defined personalities can lead people to perceive artificial creations as individual beings. The underlying AI models used in the installation have not been disclosed.
ZKM said the initiative is designed to encourage reflection on broader questions surrounding artificial intelligence, including whether robotic animals can provide companionship and how such interactions might influence human relationships. Alongside its artistic goals, the exhibition also functions as a research platform to observe visitor behavior.
See also: Swiss Team Unveils First Fully Edible Robot
The electronic petting zoo is free to the public and allows supervised visits of around 30 minutes. The exhibition is scheduled to run until Aug. 2, 2026, with opening hours on selected weekdays and weekends. Group visits must be arranged in advance.
Source: ZKM