Positive and negative reviews about the new Japanese development - the Pepper robot - cannot negate the fact that the high-tech future, which previously could only be seen on TV screens, is now available in reality.
All scientists working on the issues of artificial intelligence dream of endowing the computer with emotions. Therefore, the invention of the humanoid robot Pepper became a real discovery in science and gained great commercial demand. Recognition of the emotional background of a person and the reaction to it until recently was available only to the hero of the famous cartoon Big Hero 6, the charming robot Baymax. Now a similar option has been given to the Japanese robot Pepper.
Its technical equipment includes one HD camera on the forehead and one in the mouth, as well as distance sensors installed in the eyes. Smooth operation of the upper limbs is ensured by a complex design, which includes more than two dozen motors. The robot moves on wheels, which are assembled into a convenient system and precisely coordinate the position of the apparatus in space.
The cost of Pepper is approaching 200 thousand yen, and renting a robot for an hour will cost a person 1,500 yen. For all sensors to function, Pepper must be connected to the Internet. Decryption of voice and emotions will be performed from the remote server. Therefore, future owners of the robot will have to pay a monthly subscription fee to cellular networks, which will amount to 14,800 yen. After that, the owner gets full access to applications specially written by the software developers for the robot. They will be displayed on a tablet attached to the Pepper's chest.
Despite the great potential of the invention, the robot is not able to perform cleaning or other household work related to lifting objects. But he can easily become a friend for all family members, including children. The closest analogue of Pepper can be considered the famous robot dog Aibo from Sony, which was first released 16 years ago.
Honda's humanoid robots ASIMO are still under development, but they can walk, jog and play football. Japanese robots Actroid and Geminoid F are also capable of showing emotions and look very realistic in the image of girls, but their promotion has so far only reached exhibitions. Therefore, it is not worth waiting for the massive use of robots in everyday life in the coming years.
