TMV’s robot services will include “Pepper Hardware Services,” “Robot Talking for Pepper,” “Biz Suit for Pepper,” “Customized Applications,” “Performance Services,” and complete “After-Sales Services.”

“Robot Talking for Pepper” enables Pepper to use language and numerous body movements to engage in interactive dialog with the public. It also is capable of using open data to strengthen the informational content of the industry database. In the future, Pepper applications will be further expanded to include lifestyle functionality.

“Biz Suit for Pepper” provides businesses with easy operation through the web to set up work items for Pepper. In addition, recordings of Pepper’s situations interacting with consumers will be used to obtain statistical data that can be used to optimize marketing.

Hon Hai Group Vice President Lu Fang-ming pointed out that industrial robots have already been used by industries for a number of years, and now we are in an era where the use of robots is expanding into other services. Pepper is capable of creating this effect which will not just be limited to services. Because robots and humans have a complementary relationship, this will facilitate the creation of new services while also enabling businesses to upgrade their human resources.

SoftBank Robotics Holdings Corp. CEO Fumihide Tomizawa stated that Pepper has been a huge success, selling out thousands of units within minutes for seven consecutive months beginning in June of last year when Pepper first went on sale in Japan. This proves that there is market demand for humanoid robots. In Japan there are already numerous companies that view Pepper as a work companion; therefore, he believes that they can achieve widespread use in Taiwanese enterprises.

TMV CEO Lin Yi-xun stated that the first stage will focus on sales in the B2B market, and then in the future move to businesses and retail markets so that Pepper will become a figure which provides services for everyone. Lin Yi-xun stated that they will focus on four business areas, including finance, retail, health, and education.

Beginning on July 25 Pepper is formally being sold through Asia Pacific Telecom distribution channels to all major enterprises, and in late September other business services will commence. Fumihide Tomizawa stated that Pepper will be provided through a “Leasing Plan” for a monthly rental fee of NT$26,888 for a leasing period of twenty-four months.

Currently interviews have already been completed with Asia Pacific Telecom, First Bank, Carrefour, Cathay Life Insurance, and Taishin International Bank, where approval has been granted for Pepper to become an enterprise work partner. In the future, Pepper figures will be able to be seen working at these companies.

(TR/ Phil Sweeney)