Pepper the robot joins Costa Group's crew

The Costa Group and Aldebaran, a subsidiary of the SoftBank Group, sign partnership for the use of “Pepper” robots on board of cruise ships

Pepper is the name of the world’s first robot capable to read basic human emotions. He was designed to help, guide, provide recommendations and entertain cruise ships travelers. The robot will also be multi-lingual: he will speak German, Italian and English.

Starting spring 2016, first Pepper robots will provide their services on board the ships of the Costa Group’s cruise brands: AIDA and Costa.

Michael Thamm, chief executive of the Costa Group,is confident that this kind of technology is a good investment for the cruise business.

“With an emotional robot on board our cruise ships we are once again continuing our tradition of innovation.

“For us, this is an important step towards a digital future for our brands. I am confident that our guests will love Pepper”, he declared.

By the summer of 2016 the Costa Group expects delivery of more robots to entertain their guests.

Fumihide Tomizawa, president of Aldebaran and SoftBank Robotics Corporation, the Japanese company responsible with designing attendant Pepper robots, declared:

“I am very happy that the Costa Group gave us this opportunity.

“Pepper is built to interact with humans, their emotions and needs.

“We hope that it will fit to improve AIDA’s and Costa’s travelers’ experience.”