E-Mart rolling out robot concierge
In this article (5)
South Korean discount store chain owner E-Mart Inc says it has started testing a robot to provide an automated concierge service to shoppers.
Dubbed “Pepper”, the robot concierge will be stationed at an E-Mart outlet in Seoul for about three weeks, the company says.
Developed by Japan’s Softbank Robotics Corp., the 1.2m-tall robot provides product information, introduces sale items and answers frequently asked questions, E-Mart says.
This follows E-Mart unveiling an autonomous shopping cart, Eli, for a test run at its warehouse-style supermarket Traders in Hanam, just southeast of Seoul.
This week, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Seoul National University to carry out joint research on the implementation of auto-driving robots in the retail sector.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which company developed the robot concierge being tested by E-Mart?
Which company developed the robot concierge being tested by E-Mart?
The robot concierge, named "Pepper", was developed by Japan’s Softbank Robotics Corp. It is currently being tested at an E-Mart outlet in Seoul for approximately three weeks.
Q.What functions does the new robot concierge perform for shoppers?
What functions does the new robot concierge perform for shoppers?
The robot concierge provides product information to shoppers. It also introduces sale items and is able to answer frequently asked questions while stationed at the E-Mart outlet in Seoul.
Q.Has E-Mart tested other automated robots recently?
Has E-Mart tested other automated robots recently?
Yes, E-Mart previously tested an autonomous shopping cart called Eli. This test run occurred at its warehouse-style supermarket Traders, located in Hanam, southeast of Seoul.
Q.What is the purpose of E-Mart’s agreement with Seoul National University?
What is the purpose of E-Mart’s agreement with Seoul National University?
E-Mart signed a memorandum of understanding with Seoul National University to carry out joint research. Their collaboration will focus on implementing auto-driving robots within the retail sector.
Reader pulse
Is E-Mart's robot concierge a smart move?
20,040 votes so far