Japan to build robotic workforce

The Japanese government is investing heavily to reinforce the country’s position as the world leader in robotic technology.

Pepper  - the world’s first emo robot - attracts attention for its human-like qualities and ability to interpret and respond to facial expressions, voice tones and body language. On sale for $2000 from next year, Pepper is destined to be highly popular as a household robot that will do mundane chores without complaint.

But to Japanese industry and government, Pepper and robots like him represent the chance to create a robot workforce of 30 million that will work 24 hours a day and won’t take sick days or holidays.

Japan wants to increase the use of robots twenty-fold in five years, with hopes the next industrial revolution - after the internet age - will arrive first in their country.

Read the full ABC report here.