Robotics is a big industry in South Korea, and there is a culture of hiring “assistants” or “narrators” to do in-store product or service promotions. This is a “mannequin robot.” For the past couple of years, a South Korean company called Showbo has been producing robots like this—which, I guess, makes sense! Bowing is a sign of respect in Korea and much of Asia. And who can resist a cute child. It all makes for great PR.
“Mannequin robots” come pre-programmed with messages. When a passerby gets about 6.5 feet from the robot, the bot will began talking up the store’s service.
Watch the results for yourself:
