SoftBank puts on a Pepper the robot roadshow as it woos developers

This 4-foot-tall robot with a tablet for a chest may soon find its way to a big-box store near you. Omar Abdelwahed, Head of Studio at SoftBank Robotics America, demos the capabilities of a humanoid robot, called Pepper, which is supposed to help customers shop in stores. SAN FRANCISCO – The four-foot tall robot whirling around the new offices of SoftBank Robotics America could well be your big-box store greeter of the near future. "Hi, I'm Pepper," says the sentient hunk of whirling white plastic and blinking lights. That remains to be seen.