Softbank's famous robot Pepper is helping helping enforce social distancing and greeting COVID-19 patients around the world

Mary MeisenzahlMay 15, 2020, 19:41 IST

Softbank Pepper.Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images

As the coronavirus outbreak continues around the world, robots are being used to disinfect, take temperatures, and even prepare food.
Softbank's Pepper robot has been repurposed in some places to help COVID-19 patients.
Pepper is the company's humanoid robot, designed to work at airports and malls.
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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.

Here's what it looks like.

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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

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

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

Source: The Associated Press

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

"Let's join our hearts and get through this together."

Softbank Pepper. Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images