The Costa Group is the first cruise company to start testing humanoid robots

The Costa Group has signed an exclusive contract worth over one million euros with the French company ALDEBARAN, a subsidiary of the SoftBank Group, for the supply of “Pepper” robots.
Pepper is the world’s first robot capable of reading key human emotions and is perfectly suited to assist and delight guests on board cruise ships. Pepper will enhance the guest experience and provide assistance and entertainment aboard the Costa Group’s fleet of brands: Costa and AIDA.
“With an emotional robot on board a cruise ship, we are once again continuing our tradition of innovation. For us, this is an important step towards a digital future for our brands. I am confident that our guests will love Pepper,” said Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group.
“I am very pleased that the Costa Group has given us this opportunity. Pepper has been created to interact with humans, their emotions, and needs. We believe it will be a perfect fit to enhance the experience of travelers on AIDA and Costa Cruises,” said Fumihide Tomizawa, President of Aldebaran and SoftBank Robotics.
Pepper has already completed a training period aboard the AIDAstella, exceeding expectations and demonstrating its seaworthiness while interacting with guests and crew.
The first batch of Peppers will join the crew and begin assisting aboard the AIDAprima and Costa Diadema in spring 2016, guiding guests on board and throughout their voyages. They will also be available to provide recommendations and advice on restaurants, events, and excursions. Of course, all while speaking fluent German, Italian, and English.
By summer 2016, the remaining robots will join the crew aboard the Costa and AIDA fleet, where they will delight guests of all ages.