Pepper the robot can now perform Buddhist funerals in Japan
Softbank’s humanoid bot has been given new software to carry out a service.
Pepper, the humanoid robot created by Japanese firm Softbank and designed to assist around the home, has picked up a new skill – presiding over Buddhist funerals in Japan.
According to reports in the country, Pepper has been given an update that enables it to tap a drum while chanting sutras during a ceremony.
Pepper was initially designed as a helper robot that could be used for customer service tasks, as well as in a support role for the elderly at home.
According to reports, the robotic priest can be hired for around £350, compared with an average price of around £1,700 to hire a human priest for a funeral.
However, Pepper is allegedly yet to be hired to perform a funeral.
