Earlier this week Softbank announced the pricing for their new Pepper Robot, the device was being made available to developers at a cost of around $9,000 over three years.
Softbank recently put their Pepper Robot on sale and the company managed to sell 300 of their $9,000 robots in just one minute.
High Demand and Limited Availability
There were only 300 units of the device available to buy, and the initial stock has now sold out. Developers had to pay $1,660 up front plus $206 per month for the next few years. This rapid sell-out indicates a high demand for innovative robotics technology, especially among developers eager to explore new frontiers in artificial intelligence and human-robot interaction.
The Pepper Robot is designed to understand and respond to human emotions, making it a unique addition to the robotics market. It is equipped with advanced sensors and algorithms that allow it to read facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. This capability opens up a wide range of applications, from customer service to healthcare, where understanding human emotions can significantly enhance user experience.
Encouraging Developer Engagement
Obviously, the high price tag of the robot has not put developers off buying the device. The company is actually making a loss on each Pepper Robot they sell as they are looking to encourage developers to create software for their robot platform. By subsidizing the cost, Softbank aims to build a robust ecosystem of applications that can make the Pepper Robot more versatile and useful in various settings.
For instance, in retail environments, Pepper can be programmed to greet customers, provide information about products, and even assist in making purchases. In healthcare, Pepper can offer companionship to elderly patients, remind them to take their medications, and monitor their well-being. These examples illustrate the potential for Pepper to revolutionize multiple industries by providing personalized and emotionally intelligent interactions.
Moreover, Softbank’s strategy to sell the robot at a loss is a calculated move to accelerate the development of a rich software ecosystem. By making the robot accessible to a broader range of developers, Softbank hopes to foster innovation and create a diverse array of applications that can enhance the robot’s functionality. This approach is similar to how gaming console manufacturers often sell hardware at a loss to drive software sales, ultimately creating a profitable ecosystem.
The rapid sell-out of the initial stock also highlights the growing interest in robotics and artificial intelligence. As technology continues to advance, robots like Pepper are becoming more capable and affordable, paving the way for broader adoption in both commercial and consumer markets. The success of Pepper’s initial launch could serve as a catalyst for further investment and development in the robotics industry.
In conclusion, Softbank’s Pepper Robot has generated significant interest among developers, despite its high price tag. The company’s strategy to sell the robot at a loss to encourage software development appears to be paying off, as evidenced by the rapid sell-out of the initial stock. With its advanced emotional recognition capabilities and potential applications in various industries, Pepper represents a promising step forward in the field of robotics.
Source Gforgames
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