There will be a chance to meet Bo the retail robot at Lakeside shopping centre from Friday, November 3 to Sunday September 5.

The robotic retail assistant will be at Lakeside to test shoppers’ reactions.

Bo, Europe’s first ever shopping centre robot, will interact with shoppers, direct them to different parts of the centre and ask them about their shopping experience.

It will even tell them about special offers they can take up at different shops

David Fischel, Lakeside chief executive, said: “Retail has always been an inventive industry and the UK has remained at the forefront of this.

“We’ve launched intu Accelerate to drive forward innovative technology that will entertain and engage shoppers and help businesses to flourish.”

An online personal shopper service, where customers can buy as they watch, and a live-chat facility are two more new technologies being trialled with Lakeside shoppers this month. Visit intu.co.uk/lakeside