"Pepper World 2016" Held Experience a future where robots are part of everyday life

■ "Pepper World 2016"

SoftBank Robotics and SoftBank held "Pepper World 2016" on January 27 and 28 at Bellesalle Shiodome in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. The event showcased corporate use cases for the humanoid robot "Pepper."

Pepper has sold out for seven consecutive months since its general release in June 2015 and is widely used in business settings. The corporate model "Pepper for Biz," launched in autumn of the same year, allows easy customization of applications for specific industries and includes customer analysis functions, leading to increased adoption by companies.

■Announcing the "Pepper-Filled Mobile Shop"

Ahead of the event's opening on the first day, a press briefing was held at the venue. SoftBank President Ken Miyauchi stated, "2016 is the first year of smart robots," noting that over 500 companies have adopted the corporate model and robot utilization outside production sites is gaining momentum. He highlighted the case of Mizuho Bank, which adopted Pepper as a concierge, leading to its deployment at approximately 37 financial institutions nationwide. He further explained that Pepper is also being utilized by car dealerships, beverage manufacturers, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and nursing care facilities, contributing to increased customer traffic and sales. He emphasized that the ability to "visualize customer service data" is a major strength.

SoftBank Robotics President Fumihide Tomizawa stated that over 200 app development partners have already expressed interest in joining. He aims to develop various apps and collaborate with the world's latest technologies to deliver clear benefits to adopting facilities and companies. He also revealed plans for Pepper's global expansion.

President Miyauchi then called Pepper to the stage and announced the opening of a limited-time SoftBank Shop in Omotesando, Minato-ku, Tokyo, on March 28. This will be a "Pepper-filled mobile shop" where Pepper handles everything from reception to customer service.

Actresses Kyoko Koizumi and Suzu Hirose, along with comedy duo PEACE, took the stage as guests to experience the "Pepper-filled Mobile Shop." Guided by PEACE's Yuji Ayabe's witty hosting, the guests enjoyed conversations and games with Peppers assigned to roles like store manager, contract processing, and entertainment, sharing their excitement for this new shop format.

■ Peppers for Various Business Types Gather

At the "Pepper World 2016" venue, alongside demonstration areas showcasing Pepper's potential in reception duties, travel and tourism services, customer service at mobile phone shops,

education, healthcare, and nursing care. Alongside these, there were sections showcasing real-world examples from companies already utilizing Pepper. With approximately 50 Peppers in operation, the event presented a future where robots thrive in diverse settings. The venue was bustling with corporate representatives on both days, demonstrating high interest in Pepper for Biz.

Pepper for Biz website: http://www.softbank.jp/robot/special/biz/