Pepper the robot is supported by IBM technology
Pepper the robot sold out in just one minute when it was launched last year, with consumers keen to snap up a model of the emotion-reading companion. Now, with the help of IBM's Watson system, Pepper is set to get smarter than ever. Unlike functional robots, which are able to help with domestic chores such as dish washing or hoovering, Pepper is intended to interact with humans; this could involve greeting customers in a shop or operating self-service kiosks.
Pepper is designed to understand human emotions - exhibited through facial expression, body language and words - and adapt to it. Pepper is currently used in a business environment, acting as an assistant in shops, though may one day be available for use in the home.
Watson, developed by IBM, is a cognitive technology that processes and understands information and data. "Today, the power of cognitive computing can be woven into any form factor. Our collaboration with SBRH [SoftBank Robotics Holdings] on Pepper will allow a much broader audience to experience and tap into Watson," said Watson's senior vice president Mike Rhodin.
Exact details of how the two companies will work together have not yet been revealed, but they have said they are "exploring a range of use cases" for Pepper, ranging from "an in-class teaching assistant to a nursing aide".
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