Robot Funeral: Human-Like Bot 'Pepper' Can Perform Last Rites

A "robot priest" adorned with Buddhist robes and a hi-resolution tablet is now programmed to perform funeral rites for less cost than a human. Japanese plastic molding maker Nissei Eco Co. created software for Pepper The Robot enabling the humanoid to chant Buddhist mantras and recite sutras typically performed by monks at funerals. First introduced in 2014 by Japanese telecommunications company, SoftBank Group Corp., Pepper is a human-shaped robot that welcomes customers to more than 140 SoftBank Mobile stores. The robot boasts several cameras and microphones in addition to its sophisticated AI ability to perceive and respond to human emotions. Michio Inamura, a Nissei executive adviser, tells Reuters that Japan's aging and declining population has led to Buddhist priests receiving less financial backing in communities and working outside of their temple duties to make ends meet.