Nestlé aims to connect with people …using robots

In an effort to enhance brand engagement with consumers, Nestlé Japan will soon begin using a humanoid robot to sell Nescafé machines.

From December, the humanoid robot Pepper will be deployed in home appliance stores in Japan - Nescafé’s biggest market - to sell Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Nescafé Gold Blend Barista coffee machines.

Pepper is the first robot in the world that is able to read and respond to human emotion. Equipped with the latest voice and emotion-recognition technology, Pepper is able to read people’s facial expressions and listen to their tone of voice to analyse how they’re feeling.

“Pepper will be able to explain Nescafé products and services and engage in conversation with consumers. I hope that this new consumer-engagement model will expand across the world as an example of Japanese innovation,” said Kohzoh Takaoka, President and CEO of Nestlé Japan.

Pepper is produced by SoftBank Robotics and Aldebaran Robotics SAS, and is part of SoftBank Group’s ambition to take technology beyond factory floors.

“The dream to create an advanced consumer experience with Pepper is now coming true. We hope that by providing people the opportunity to interact with a robot whilst shopping, we can help create experiences of wonder and delight for consumers,” said Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Corporation.