SoftBank upgrades humanoid robot Pepper

SoftBank Group Corp. said it has upgraded the customer service capabilities of its Pepper humanoid robot, aiming to create demand in the business sector as Japan struggles with manpower shortages. The upgraded Pepper can take orders in English and Chinese, a new feature mainly designed to attract the restaurant industry, which is expected to see more foreign customers thanks to an increase in visitors from abroad, SoftBank said Monday. Customers can select a language on a screen located on Pepper's chest. The robot can recommend the day's special in the customer's preferred language. Orders can be placed via Pepper's chest screen, the company said.