News

Canadian FI rolls out Pepper the Humanoid Robot for customer service

April 28, 2017

Whether it's totally cool or a tad creepy is a matter of debate; either way, Pepper, the humanoid robot created by SoftBank Robotics America is now on staff at ATB Financial in Alberta, Canada.

Starting in May, Pepper will engage with customers at selected ATB branches in Calgary, according to a press release.

ATB customers will be able to talk to Pepper and interact with the robot's touch screen tablet. Pepper will be able to describe and recommend ATB products and services, offer a financial literacy quiz, and offer customers an opportunity to take a selfie with a robot or learn some dance moves. (Yes, dance moves.)

"Bringing on Pepper to assist our customers will help us learn what is possible," ATB President and CEO Dave Mowat said in the release. "Pepper is cutting-edge technology. We're excited for her to say hello to our customers and tell them about ATB — or just dance together for a bit."

For now, Pepper is a proof of concept aimed at helping ATB understand how Albertans feel about interacting with a robot. ATB will continue to advance the robot's skills to create a digitally enhanced banking experience, the release said.

ATB partnered with SBRA and Infusion, specialists in digital transformation for financial services, to become the first organization in Canada to make Pepper a part of its customer service experience.