Now, A Robot Can Help You Shop!

Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11:15

Think of being greeted by a robot as soon as you step into a shop? That's not all, the robot guides you to the relevant floors that you want to go to. That's what happens in a shop in Tokyo, Japan.

Developed by Hiroshi Kobayashi, student, Tokyo University of Science, the robot was introduced in a departmental store called Takashimaya and kept there for a week.

Previously, the robot was kept in a primary school on a trial basis for a week. Saya, as the robot was named, was capable of catching students who were passing notes and copying homework.

At Takashimaya, Saya sat at the information desk treating the customers in a very different kind of assistance.

The robot is programmed to respond to the shopper's questions and complaints. In more than 700 different ways. While directing the customers to different floors, Saya could also indulge in small talks in between.

The female robot can also respond to questions about previous jobs and even where she was created.