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Robotics

Nestle Japan to use humanoid robot to sell Nescafe

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Nestle Japan will soon begin using a humanoid robot, known as Pepper, to sell Nescafe coffee machines as part of its ongoing effort to enhance brand engagement with consumers in Nescafe’s biggest market.

Produced by by SoftBank Robotics and Aldebaran Robotics SAS, Pepper is claimed to be the first robot in the world that is able to read and respond to human emotion by using the latest voice and emotion recognition technology.

The robot will start selling Nescafe Dolce Gusto and Nescafe Gold Blend Barista coffee machines in home appliance stores in Japan starting in December. Full story on Nestle’s official website.

Creepy robotic mouth with noble intention

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This has to be one of the creepiest robotic-related videos ever, of a talking (and singing) robot which adaptively learns the vocalization skill of human beings…

As freaky as it is, the robotic mouth – created by engineers at Japan’s Kagawa University – is meant to help hearing-impaired people improve their speech articulation [more on Popsci].

Giant Torayan, fire-spitting baby robot

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“Giant Torayan doll is the ultimate child’s weapon, as it sings, dances, breathes fire, and follows only those orders given by children.” [via designer Kenji Yanobe]

The 7.2 metres robot was on of the biggest attractions of Roppongi Art Night (2009) in Tokyo, Japan. Not really sure what the designer means, but a fire spitting giant robot in real action is always a win in any events…