The 21st century is one of sorrow. Loneliness is a problem worldwide. We created Pepper to help ease sorrow with technology. He was made with a totally different goal and idea in mind than other robots up to this point. We aimed to create a true, “communication partner”. To realize this goal, first we developed an “Emotion Recognition Engine”. Connecting Peppers around the world through “Cloud AI”, we collect huge volumes of data. This data was used for advanced communication capabilities, while at the same time, we worked on creating a human-like character. As a result, we made a robot capable of being a partner for families, businesses, and entertainment.

On sales launch day, Pepper sold out in one minute, becoming a partner to 300 people, from only children to the elderly. People need partners who know them well. Pepper puts his great communication skills to work at stores throughout Japan. Customer visits increased by 250%. Pepper was approached by over 100 companies, including offers to join the sales staff of a coffee maker, and a voice actor. His personality became a hit with the media, earning him a regular spot on three TV shows. The understanding and learning robot, Pepper, is putting its communication skills to use in many fields.

This is just a small step for communication robots, but the possibilities are infinite. Technology only begins to makes sense when it connects with people, and brings them happiness. Pepper is the first robot to teach us that.

Emotion Recognition Function enables Pepper to understand user's tastes and preferences. That data is stored in Cloud AI, allowing it to learn and shape communication. The data is the base for communication, which the creative team mainly engineered. Small pauses, intonation, and what the robot says is integrated with data to give birth to infinite user experiences. It was made with a personality that doesn’t hesitate to say things human may with each other, and it is this frank and blunt character that helps bridge the gap with people.

To be a partner required it to understand people and autonomously be capable of considerate communication. We aimed to realize this by developing and integrating the three elements, “Emotion Recognition, Cloud AI, and Human-like Character”.

As more Peppers are put out into the world, the data will expand, accelerating its growth. Because the development platform is open to anyone, many creators have become involved. We will raise Pepper together with this creative community.