Pepper, Softbank's humanoid robot, has so far performed a number of functions. It is an attendant at Softbank, greeting clients visiting its branches; it has sold coffee machines; and in September it delivered a speech before the Clinton Global Initiative together with the likes of Bill Gates and Richard Branson. It is, therefore, easy to overlook that - more than anything - Pepper could be considered a perfect human companion because it is capable of recognizing and responding to a wide range of emotions. It is for this reason owners have taken to personalizing Pepper and dressing the robot in a number of fashionable and sometimes wacky getups.
In Japan, there are already stores catering to Pepper's fashion needs. For instance, the RieRie shop is now enjoying brisk sales of at least 60 types of merchandise for the robot on its website. The goods do not merely include clothing but also necklaces, hairpieces and "makeups."
Creating clothing and accessories for Pepper has not been easy for merchants. There is a need to create pieces that do not interfere with the robot's sensors or its hinges and joints, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Watch the video below as Pepper dons several costumes such as a kimono and adorable dresses that turn the robot, which takes the form of a boy, into a girl.
Pepper is currently being sold for $1,620. Its clothing can fetch as much as $163 and Japanese retailers are also shipping overseas.
