Costa signs deal to use robot that reads emotions on cruises

(ANSA) - Genova, December 15 - Cruise ship operator Costa Group has signed an exclusive agreement with French robotics firm Aldebaran to use Pepper, the first humanoid robot that is able to read emotions.
    The contract worth over one million euros means that a team of Peppers will begin entertaining guests on board ships belonging to the Costa Group, AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises beginning next year, after completing a trial run on board the AIDA Stella liner.
    They will help guests when they embark and while on-board and will also give tips on restaurants, events and excursions.
    They speak German, Italian and English.
    Peppers work out a person's emotional state by analysing facial expressions, body language, words and tone of voice. They can guess people's moods and adapt to them.