Humanoid robots have started work in a bank in Tokyo and a hotel in the south-western island of Kyushu. There is a growing demand for them as many people are concerned about a labour shortage in Japan's aging society.
ANIMATED TOOL
Softbank Group Corp's "Pepper" robot made its debut recently at a branch of Mizuho Bank in central Tokyo. It entertained customers, providing financial knowledge and proposing insurance products.
"You can consult Mizuho Bank about making more money," Pepper said, in a voice similar to a Japanese comic storyteller.
"There is an image that banks are stiff and unwelcoming. We would like to increase demand for finance by the use of a friendly Pepper," Tetsuhiko Saito, senior managing executive officer of Mizuho Financial Group Inc, told reporters.