A new Japanese robot with a "heart" will hit the market this weekend. The robot technology, inspired by the comics character Astro Boy, uses IBM AI to recognize a person's feelings. The new invention from SoftBank then simulates human emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, and surprise.
Pepper, the smart robot, was inspired by childhood memories of SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. The manga character Astro Boy ironically lacked a heart.
A hairless head is one of the features of the humanoid robot. It has no legs, but instead rolls on a set of wheels.
Pepper uses IBM-created artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a unique personality. It does that based on the different emotions it faces during its human interactions.
The new robotics can remember people through facial recognition technology, according to WTNH. Its software allows it to respond positively to attention, and cheer up sad people.
While being introduced to reporters and guests at a Tokyo public event, Pepper performed several actions. The amazing machine sang a birthday song, danced, and talked with famnous celebrities.
Pepper also seemed to show joy after it was stroked or praised. When the robot is sad, lights in its round eyes light up to produce fake tears.
SoftBank is a tech and mobile communications company. It announced the new Japanese robot project last year, according to NZ Herald.
The Japanese company will start selling 1,000 robots each month. Pepper will have a price tag of Y198,000 ($2,330), plus a monthly service fee.
Local businesses can also rent the robot for $12 per hour. Meanwhile, overseas sales of Pepper will probably start next year.
SoftBank is committed to new robotics. Its product line specializes in robots that provide emotional interaction with humans.
Son became emotional while addressing the public about the new Japanese robot's launch. His vision was a "robot with love."