A robot designed by a SoftBank subsidiary became a hot commodity, according to The Wall Street Journal. SoftBank says the entire stock of about 1,000 robots sold out within 60 seconds on Saturday.
The robot, known as Pepper, is designed to understand and react to facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Pepper also can sing, dance and tell jokes. On-board sensors and software allow Pepper to display its own emotions by emitting lights.
Pepper's own personality will change over time, as the robot and the owner become more acquainted, SoftBank says.
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Pepper costs an initial $1,600. Consumers then also need a service contract in order to use apps and other cloud-based functions.
Pepper robots are made in Foxconn facilities and may go on sale in the U.S. and Europe some time next year. Masayoshi Son, SoftBank's founder and CEO, said last week the company plans to produce about 1,000 robots a month, the Journal reported.
