Pepper the robot from SoftBank is a versatile humanoid that now be found in hair salons, banks, pizza parlors and hotels—while the bot is mostly used in commercial settings, SoftBank is introducing a robot plush toy that kids in Japan can invite into the home.
The Pepper robot plush toy boasts an oversized head, a height of 35" and a weight of over 14 pounds. The stuffed version of this bot is exclusively available to those in Japan and interested people must apply online to be eligible to make a purchase as part of a lottery system.
Now that SoftBank's Pepper is now being used for a variety of applications around the world, the bot has become an icon of its own in Japan.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Robot Toys
- The trend of introducing plush robot toys based on commercial robots creates a new avenue for generating revenue through merchandise.
- Brand Mascots as Toys
- Turning brand mascots, like the Pepper Robot into toys, is a way to extend the reach of these characters and engage with younger audiences.
- Robotics Manufacturing
- The expansion of robotics into the toy industry creates opportunities for robotics companies to enter the manufacturing of toys.
Where This Applies
- Robotics
- The robotics industry can expand its business into the production of commercial robot toy designs.
- Toy Manufacturing
- Companies in the toy manufacturing industry can explore creating and selling toys based on commercial robots.
- Retail
- The retail industry can provide a channel for companies selling commercial robot toys and capitalize on the trend of robotic toys.
