Robert and Matilda: Humanoid robots 'marry' in Russia's first robotic wedding ceremony

Robots are increasingly finding roles in homes, workplaces and public spaces, but in Moscow this week, they stepped into a far more symbolic role. Two humanoid robots, Robert and Matilda, became the centre of attention during what organisers described as Russia's first robotic wedding ceremony, an event designed to showcase advances in humanoid technology rather than blur the line between humans and machines.Held at Moscow's Pushkin Library to mark the country's Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, the ceremony featured many of the traditions associated with a conventional wedding. The robots exchanged vows and symbolic wedding bracelets, which were delivered by a robotic dog named Dogmatik, before a host declared them "robot spouses" following a mock compatibility and synchronisation announcement.