The Canadian Museum of History is defending its new artificial intelligence chatbot after a social media post promoting the tool drew hundreds of comments, many from people concerned it could eventually replace museum guides.
MUSEO, available in the Canadian History Hall, lets visitors scan QR codes beside selected artifacts and ask questions via their cellphones. The museum says it is meant to provide another way to access information, not replace staff.
Emma Sharpe, an Ottawa museum guide, said the advertisement was concerning because it presented the chatbot as an alternative to staff. 'It makes me really worried,' she said, adding that guides read visitors' reactions and bring personal connection.
The museum says MUSEO uses a closed language model with only approved materials, not the open internet. Developed with France-based Ask Mona, it underwent seven months of testing. Currently, QR codes are beside 10 objects, with more planned.
A reporter who tried MUSEO found it offered quick, detailed answers but required using a phone in a space where many prefer to disconnect. The codes were small and easy to miss, making the tool feel hidden.
Source: ottawacitizen.com
