SoftBank Robotics Pepper — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | SoftBank Robotics |
|---|---|
| Model | Pepper |
| Year | 2014 |
| Category | Retail, Social Service |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Weight | 28 kg |
| Dimensions | 42cm L × 48cm W × 121cm H |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth |
| Country of origin | FR |
Key features
- 121 cm height
- 29 kg weight
- 10.1-inch touch display
- 30.0 Ah/795 Wh battery
- Up to 12 hours battery life
- Supports 5 languages
- Programmable with Python and C++
- Equipped with multiple sensors
What is it?
SoftBank Robotics Pepper is a semi-humanoid social robot designed for human interaction. Launched in 2014, it has been deployed in various settings, including retail stores, bank branches, airports, and hospitals. Pepper engages with people through vocal conversation and a touch interface, aiming to enhance customer experiences and provide assistance in diverse environments. (softbank.jp)
Who is it for?
Pepper is intended for businesses and organizations seeking to integrate interactive robotics into their operations. Its applications span across:
- Retail Stores: Assisting customers with product information and guiding them through the store.
- Bank Branches: Providing information on services and facilitating customer engagement.
- Airports: Offering directions and answering traveler inquiries.
- Hospitals: Delivering information to patients and visitors, and assisting staff.
Its versatility makes it suitable for various sectors aiming to enhance human-robot interaction. (softbank.jp)
Key specs
- Height: 121 cm
- Weight: 29 kg
- Battery: Lithium-ion, 30.0 Ah/795 Wh, providing over 12 hours of operation
- Sensors:
- Head: 4 microphones, 2 RGB cameras, 1 3D sensor
- Chest: 1 gyroscope
- Hands: 2 touch sensors
- Legs: 2 sonar sensors, 6 laser sensors, 3 bumper sensors, 1 gyroscope, 2 infrared sensors
- Degrees of Freedom: 20 motors enabling movement in head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, and wheels
- Display: 10.1-inch touch screen
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n), Ethernet port
- Movement: Maximum speed of 2 km/h, capable of navigating obstacles up to 1.5 cm
How it compares
Pepper faces competition from other humanoid robots designed for social interaction, such as:
- SoftBank Robotics NAO: A smaller robot used in education and research, offering programmable features and interactive capabilities.
- Aldebaran's Romeo: A larger humanoid robot designed for assistance in daily life, particularly for the elderly and disabled.
- UBTECH Robotics Walker: A bipedal humanoid robot capable of navigating complex environments and performing tasks like opening doors.
Each robot offers unique features tailored to specific applications, with Pepper's focus on customer engagement and service in public spaces.
Limitations
- Autonomy: Pepper operates semi-autonomously, requiring human intervention for complex tasks and decision-making.
- Processing Power: Limited onboard computational resources may restrict the execution of advanced AI algorithms and real-time data processing.
- Mobility: While capable of navigating simple environments, Pepper's movement is limited to flat surfaces and small obstacles.
- Adaptability: Pepper's interactions are predefined, which may limit its ability to adapt to unexpected situations or conversations.
These factors can impact Pepper's effectiveness in dynamic and complex environments.
FAQ
What is Pepper's battery life?
Pepper's lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 30.0 Ah/795 Wh, providing up to 12 hours of continuous use. ([softbankrobotics.com](https://www.softbankrobotics.com/jp/product/biz3/spec/?utm_source=openai))
Which programming languages can be used to program Pepper?
Pepper can be programmed using Python and C++, allowing for versatile development of applications. ([robotlab.com](https://www.robotlab.com/higher-ed-robots/store/pepper-robot-for-research-and-coding?utm_source=openai))
In which languages does Pepper communicate?
Pepper supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Hindi, facilitating interactions in diverse environments. ([robotlab.com](https://www.robotlab.com/higher-ed-robots/store/pepper-robot-for-research-and-coding?utm_source=openai))
What is the initial retail price of Pepper?
When introduced in 2015, Pepper was priced at approximately $1,900, making it accessible for various commercial applications. ([time.com](https://time.com/2845040/robot-emotions-pepper-softbank/?utm_source=openai))
Where has Pepper been deployed?
Pepper has been deployed in various settings, such as serving as a receptionist in Belgian hospitals and assisting customers in Japanese retail stores. ([time.com](https://time.com/4367870/pepper-robot-belgium-hospital-receptionist/?utm_source=openai))