SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son says smart robots can revitalise Japan growth, competitiveness

Tokyo: SoftBank Group Corp. chief executive Masayoshi Son on Wednesday said so-called smart robots can revitalise Japan’s economy and competitiveness, doubling down on robotics just as the company’s much-hyped “Pepper” robot prepares to bow out.

Son, at the online SoftBank World 2021 conference, said the firm’s Vision Fund is involved with 18 companies developing machines enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI), far beyond the dancing and door-greeting capabilities of the cutesy Pepper.