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Japan is using the famous humanoid Pepper robot to fight its coronavirus cases. The country has had a relatively small outbreak compared to others around the world, with about 16,000 cases and 678 deaths, according to one coronavirus tracker. For comparison, the US has more than 1.4 million cases and over 80,000 deaths.
Japanese company Softbank is behind Pepper, the recognizable robot used in some stores and hotels around the world. Now, the robot is being used as a greeter and to ease loneliness among mild COVID-19 cases in Japan. At the same time versions of the robot are helping customers remain a safe distance apart in German grocery stores.
Softbank suggests companies use Pepper in the hospitality, healthcare, and retail industries.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images
The store has signs and floor markings telling customers to stay six feet apart, and one-way aisles, which Pepper helps customers follow.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images
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The robot has information about protective measures people should take, telling them to keep their distance from each other.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images
Edeka grocery store chain in Germany has also incorporated Pepper into coronavirus safety measures.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images
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Patients stay isolated in their rooms for several weeks, until they are determined to no longer be infectious.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
Beyond performing basic tasks at the hotel, Tokyo officials hope that the robots can keep patients from getting too lonely.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
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"Let's join our hearts and get through this together."
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
"I pray the spread of the disease is contained as soon as possible."
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
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“I hope you recover as quickly as possible.”
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
"Please, wear a mask inside."
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
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Pepper has a few phrases that it repeats to guests.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
Pepper even wears a face mask of its own, encouraging good health practices.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
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Robots greeting patients and cleaning high-risk zones cut down on the number of healthcare workers and other essential workers that must come into contact with Covid-19 patients.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
Two nurses are on duty around the clock, with a doctor available during the day.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images
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These photos are from the Ryoguku Hotel in Tokyo, which holds about 300 people.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
Pepper robots greet Covid-19 patients as they arrive.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
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Whiz is an autonomous vacuum cleaner using AI technology, also from Softbank.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
Cleaning robot Whiz is also part of the effort to keep the hotels safe environments.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
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Robots like Pepper and sign-in kiosks reduce the number of staff who have to work in the hotel and potentially be infected.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike visited one of the hotels on May 1, and greeted Pepper.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
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Hotels in Japan are temporarily being used to house coronavirus patients with mild symptoms.
Softbank Pepper.
Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images