Meet Digiderius
Digiderius is a digital human: an advanced form of artificial intelligence that combines language models, deep learning, and visual technology. Unlike simple chatbots that only answer standard questions, Digiderius can truly understand and interpret language.
He communicates both in writing and verbally, listens to what you say, and responds. On screen, he appears as Desiderius Erasmus, complete with realistic facial expressions, movements, and speech. It feels as if you are having a conversation with a real person.
Meet Digiderius
Digiderius is a digital human: an advanced form of artificial intelligence that combines language models, deep learning, and visual technology. Unlike simple chatbots that only answer standard questions, Digiderius can truly understand and interpret language.
He communicates both in writing and verbally, listens to what you say, and responds. On screen, he appears as Desiderius Erasmus, complete with realistic facial expressions, movements, and speech. It feels as if you are having a conversation with a real person.
What exactly does the university want to achieve with Digiderius?
AI is everywhere, including in interactions with governments. Think of chatbots or digital voting. But what happens to values such as transparency, customization, and empathy? Who safeguards these norms — a civil servant or a programmer?
Chatbots have been studied, but how do citizens respond to digital humans? What kinds of conversations do they want to have, and what do they find important in those interactions?
What exactly does the university want to achieve with Digiderius?
AI is everywhere, including in interactions with governments. Think of chatbots or digital voting. But what happens to values such as transparency, customization, and empathy? Who safeguards these norms — a civil servant or a programmer?
Chatbots have been studied, but how do citizens respond to digital humans? What kinds of conversations do they want to have, and what do they find important in those interactions?
The research
We are researching how citizens engage with a digital human in a strategic setting, using three methods:
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Observation (what does the citizen do?)
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Reading (what was discussed?)
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Asking (what does the citizen think?)
The goal is to identify which factors determine whether citizens are open to conversations with digital humans about public services — and why.
This exploratory research lays the foundation for future studies on where and when AI is desirable, and for which topics citizens find it acceptable.
The research
We are researching how citizens engage with a digital human in a strategic setting, using three methods:
-
Observation (what does the citizen do?)
-
Reading (what was discussed?)
-
Asking (what does the citizen think?)
The goal is to identify which factors determine whether citizens are open to conversations with digital humans about public services — and why.
This exploratory research lays the foundation for future studies on where and when AI is desirable, and for which topics citizens find it acceptable.
Next steps
The results of the research are being used for the development of a Library Avatar. The Library has asked RAUW CC to develop a virtual brand ambassador / digital library assistant, along with a content strategy to bring this virtual personality to life and introduce it to the public.
The research findings from Erasmus University will be incorporated into the further (technical) development of the new Library Avatar. This process will begin after the summer, with the goal of introducing the Avatar at the new (temporary) library location.
Next steps
De resultaten van het onderzoek worden gebruikt bij de ontwikkeling van een Bibliotheek Avatar. De Bibliotheek heeft aan RAUW CC gevraagd om een content strategie te ontwikkelen rond een digitale bibliotheekmedewerker.
De uitkomst van het traject bij RAUW CC en de onderzoeksresultaten van de Erasmus Universiteit worden samengevoegd tot een nieuwe Bibliotheek Avatar. Dit zal na de zomer starten met als doel om in de nieuwe (tijdelijke) locatie deze Avatar te introduceren.
Presence of researchers
At Rotterdam Library, we are experimenting with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Starting from April 14, Digiderius will be positioned next to the customer service desk on the first floor of the Central Library. Researchers from Erasmus University are studying which factors influence how willing citizens are to talk with a digital human about topics related to public services — and why. They will observe what questions visitors ask Digiderius and how visitors respond to him. Library staff and volunteers are also invited to ask Digiderius questions.
We introduced Digiderius on Monday, April 14, and he will remain present at least until May 2, 2025.
Onderzoekers
Rob Maat; Master’s student, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences; thesis project (rjmaat@student.eur.nl );
Rebecca Moody; Associate Professor, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, and member of the Rotterdam Social AI Lab program team (moody@essb.eur.nl)
More information
Els van de Kar; els@vandekar.nl; 06 53415993
Mark Liefaart; Customer Service Rotterdam Library Digital Channels Rotterdam Digital Channels; (liefaart@bibliotheek.rotterdam )
Presence of researchers
De Bibliotheek Rotterdam experimenteert met AI. Vanaf 14 april staat Digiderius, een digitaal mens, naast de klantenservicebalie in de Centrale Bibliotheek.
Onderzoekers van de Erasmus Universiteit bestuderen hoe graag burgers met een digitaal mens praten over publieke dienstverlening. Ze observeren het gebruik en spreken bezoekers én medewerkers hierover aan.
Digiderius blijft tot minstens 2 mei 2025 aanwezig.
Onderzoekers
Rob Maat; Master’s student, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences; thesis project (rjmaat@student.eur.nl );
Rebecca Moody; Associate Professor, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, and member of the Rotterdam Social AI Lab program team (moody@essb.eur.nl)
More information
Els van de Kar; els@vandekar.nl; 06 53415993
Mark Liefaart; Customer Service Rotterdam Library Digital Channels Rotterdam Digital Channels; (liefaart@bibliotheek.rotterdam )
