While the Chinese robotic company Unitree remains popular, it would seem that its robots are being typecast for performances ever since its internet-breaking outing at the Chinese New Year (CNY) Gala earlier this year. Not only have they been touring supermarket branches, but they have also been awarded a patent for performing robots and a method for dance performances. However, the recent collaboration between Unitree and Panasonic has changed that.
On 17 June, Panasonic, specifically its “wash and care” arm, announced its partnership with the robotics brand. The team-up comes in the form of humanoid robot sales assistants, the first in the appliances industry. This is likely the first high-profile, practical usage of the humanoid robots beyond performances. The robot model is named “Song Song” (松松) after Panasonic’s Chinese name, “松下电器” (Matsushita Electric) and it debuted at the same event as the Panasonic Hangzhou Industrial Park.
Song Song robots are well-versed in the Panasonic catalogue and can give accurate information and representation of the products, as well as using body language and humour to build rapport with customers for a pleasant shopping experience. They can also do real-time calculations with all available offers and discounts, and assess user needs to help advise customers on decisions.
The Panasonic x Unitree robot shopping assistant means that “smart retail” has entered the age of “embodied AI”. Not only have Panasonic and Unitree started applying the “human-machine-environment” ecosystem in real-life retail, but they are likely to push for more innovations in the industry.