Japan has sucked all the life out of funerals with priest-bots
- 7 years ago
TOKYO — A Japanese company has decided to totally take the life out of funerals by using SoftBank's humanoid robot Pepper as a Buddhist priest for funerals that you can hire.
With the help of some software upgrades, Pepper can now chant sutras in a robot voice while tapping on a drum, Reuters reported.
The priest bot was on display at a funeral trade show in Tokyo on Wednesday.
The robot provides a cheaper alternative than getting a human priest. Old school priests will run you around $2,200, while Pepper only costs about $450 per funeral.
Pepper can be outfitted in different robes depending on the wishes of the customers. They can also live-stream the ceremony to people who aren't able to attend the funeral in person.
With the help of some software upgrades, Pepper can now chant sutras in a robot voice while tapping on a drum, Reuters reported.
The priest bot was on display at a funeral trade show in Tokyo on Wednesday.
The robot provides a cheaper alternative than getting a human priest. Old school priests will run you around $2,200, while Pepper only costs about $450 per funeral.
Pepper can be outfitted in different robes depending on the wishes of the customers. They can also live-stream the ceremony to people who aren't able to attend the funeral in person.