Meet the Friendly Mask‑Reminding Robot
How Pepper, the 120‑cm Tall Helper, Keeps Us Safe & Smiling
SoftBank Robotics has just upgraded Pepper, the 120‑centimeter‑high robot that already greets shoppers, museum visitors, and office workers across the globe. Now, Pepper can spot whether you’re wearing a mask and give you a polite nudge if you’re not.
- Face‑scan action: Pepper’s built‑in camera spots the lower half of your face. If it’s uncovered, you’ll hear the gentle reminder, “You have to always wear a mask properly.”
- Mask‑detective mode: After you slip on a mask, Pepper cheers you off with, “Thank you for having put on your mask.”
- Team‑saving feature: Instead of hiring a human at every shop entrance, Pepper lets staff focus on their real jobs.
Why a Robot, You Ask?
Jonathan Boiria, SoftBank’s Europe sales head, explains that people often forget to keep their mask on when moving between public spaces. “A robot provides a friendly reminder, and we can all get it wrong or forget,” he says.
Think of Pepper as your digital “mask buddy” who’s got your back (and your face) when you’re at the store or the office. No barking orders—just a warm, helpful check‑in.
