Buddhist robots in Japan offer funeral services cheaper than the priests
When the experts predicted that robots will take most of our jobs in the next few decades, the priests were probably among the least concerned about people. In the end, machine and spirituality do not go hand in hand. But one Japanese company is showing everyone that every job is in danger. The Japanese launched a line of "Buddhist robots" that can perform funeral services cheaper than the priests.
Pepper, the humanoid robot developed by SoftBank Robotics, appeared on the market two years ago and took several jobs. Pepper, touted as the first robot capable of reading human emotions, has found application in banks, the sushi shops and nursing homes. He works as an administrator and identificeret visitors with the help of software for face recognition, when they are providing information or just talking with people.
But recently the creators of Pepper came up with another job for "big eyes" of the robot. He may be a Buddhist priest for customers who want to reduce the funeral costs.
Nissei Eco company, which is engaged in the funeral business since 2000, recently launched a new campaign targeting customers that don't mind that the robot will read mantras and recited the sutras, instead of a priest. Sounds pretty attractive, since the service performed by the robot Buddhist Pepper, costs only $ 460, which is much cheaper than hiring a real priest.
Nissei Eco company primarily focused on secular-minded customers who are looking for a cheaper alternative to the traditional rituals. This desire, apparently, is part of a widespread campaign on the introduction of innovations in the industry, which is trying to adapt to a changing reality.
Keywords: Buddhism | Funeral | Funeral services | Robot | Japan