SHANGHAI - Thirty seven multi-functional robots, which were customized to serve the visitors of Shanghai World Expo, made their debut here Sunday.

Children stand around a multi-functional robot called "Haibao" during an animation exhibition in Shanghai on March 7, 2010. A total of 37 Haibao robots will serve the visitor of Shanghai World Expo in May. [Photo/Xinhua]

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Besides dancing and singing, the 1.55-meter tall robots, shaped after the Expo mascot Haibao, could "communicate" with visitors in six languages and take photos for them, said Chu Jian, vice president of Zhejiang University, a key designer of the robots.

The robots have touch screens on their chests to answer inquiries on road, public service and Expo information, Chu added.

The Haibao robots will be placed in Shanghai's two international airports and at the entrances of some major Expo venues, he said.

This is the first extensive application of robots on a public event in China, according to a statement of the Expo Bureau.