Japanese firm Softbank has unveiled a robot called Pepper, which it says can read human emotions. <br /> <br />It uses an "emotional engine" and a cloud-based artificial intelligence system that allows it to analyse gestures, expressions and voice tones. <br /> <br />The firm said people could communicate with it "just like they would with friends and family" and it could perform various tasks. <br /> <br />It will go on sale to the public next year for 198,000 yen ($1,930; £1,150). <br /> <br />"People describe others as being robots because they have no emotions, no heart," Masayoshi Son, chief executive of Softbank, said at a press conference. <br /> <br />"For the first time in human history, we're giving a robot a heart, emotions." <br /> <br />The firm will deploy prototypes of the robot at two of its stores from Friday, allowing customers to interact with them. <br /> <br />Continue reading the main story <br />“ <br />Start Quote <br /> <br />It could go long way in helping improve elderly care” <br /> <br />Rhenu Bhuller <br />Frost & Sullivan <br />Softbank said it planned to subsequently station Pepper at more of its stores nationwide.
