Electronic petting zoo

Fluffy, curious, and slightly artificial:
A very special species of animal is moving into the foyer of ZKM: the Booboos, ten interactive robot guinea pigs that respond to touch and speech. Families with children and adults without children are cordially invited to meet these unusual little creatures!

At the petting zoo, the Booboos are ready to be cuddled, observed, and explored. But behind this playful experience lies a big question: Is it alive, or is it just pretending?

Learn, marvel, question

From talking toys to smart assistants and adaptive machines, an increasing number of technological objects seem "alive" today. The electronic petting zoo invites visitors to explore the empathy that is already present in our relationships with machines. 

With the Booboos, it is easy to learn how machines react to humans and recognize the difference between real-life and programmed behavior. This helps children to understand topics such as artificial intelligence, empathy, and responsibility.

Hands-on future

The project encourages reflection:
Can robots replace animals or social contact?
Can they provide companionship, for example, in nursing homes?
And: Do we even want that?

Duration
November 30, 2025 – August 2, 2026

Opening hours
Wednesday–Friday: 2–6 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm

Free admission
Children accompanied by adults can spend around 30 minutes with the Booboos.