SoftBank Robotics
Formerly Aldebaran Robotics. Filed bankruptcy Feb 2025, acquired by Maxvision Technology (China) for EUR 900K (July 2025). Pepper production halted 2021 (27K units made). NAO still available. New ownership plans eldercare, education, and security applications from Shenzhen operations.
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NAO
SoftBank NAO is a 58cm humanoid robot designed for education, research, healthcare, and therapy applications. With 25 degrees of freedom powered by Intel ATOM 1.9GHz quad-core processor, NAO performs natural movements and interactions. Features 30 sensors including dual HD cameras for face recognition, 4 omnidirectional microphones, and prehensile hands with touch sensors. Fully programmable through NAOqi OS with Python, C++, JavaScript, and visual Choregraphe tool. Fluent in 20+ languages with over 13,000 units deployed in 70+ countries since 2006. V6 model introduced 2018, remains leading educational robotics platform despite manufacturer's 2025 receivership.
Pepper
SoftBank Pepper is a pioneering social humanoid robot designed for human interaction in retail, banking, and education sectors. Standing 121 cm tall with 19 degrees of freedom, Pepper reads emotions through facial expressions and voice tones using advanced AI. Equipped with dual HD cameras, 3-D depth sensor, 4 microphones, and comprehensive sensor suite. Features 10.1-inch chest tablet, recognizes 15 languages, and supports Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, and ROS. Introduced in 2014 with production until 2020, Pepper pioneered commercial service robots at scale despite discontinuation in 2021.