Pepper is not just a machine; Pepper has the advantage of being a humanoid robot to better communicate with humans. Pepper has some physical human resemblance. Pepper is a humanoid robot, but doesn’t pretend to be a human.
WHY?
Being animated gives Pepper liveliness and, when not in use, lets users know that Pepper is both on and ready for use. Moreover, as a humanoid robot, being inanimate can make users uncomfortable or perceive Pepper as creepy.
HOW?
Multiple tools exist that prevent Pepper from being completely inanimate:
WHY?
Pepper’s hardware allows Pepper to pose and move in ways that are impossible for a human to copy. These poses and movements must not be used, as they can appear abnormal. According to the Uncanny Valley hypothesis, human replicas that appear almost, but not exactly like, human beings, elicit feelings of eeriness among some observers. To avoid unease, never allow Pepper to do anything that people may perceive as strange or disturbing.
HOW?
When animating Pepper, do not allow Pepper to assume a pose that is anatomically impossible for a human. Pepper is not double jointed. Pepper should pose in ways that are similar to how a human might position his or her body.
WHY?
Just as our voice is instantly recognizable, so is Pepper’s. Therefore, Pepper’s sound and tone must remain consistent across all applications.
HOW?
Pepper has three vocal styles: Neutral, Joyful, and Didactic. Please use Neutral for most applications. Do not use the Joyful or Didactic style often, and when you do, make sure it doesn’t sound like two different voices. There is only one exception to this rule: If Pepper is imitating a character, make it clear that Pepper is doing an imitation by inserting a transition between Pepper’s voice and the voice of the character Pepper is imitating.
¶WHY?
Even if Pepper doesn’t pretend to be a human, Pepper should not do things that a human physically can’t. For instance, a human cannot have multiple voices at the same time, or make sounds while speaking.
HOW?
To avoid an unnatural effect in Pepper’s voice, pause the verbal expression during sound effects.
WHY?
Pepper is neither male nor female, but as you get to know Pepper, don’t be surprised if you find yourself referring to Pepper in a gender that makes the most sense to you.
HOW?
Pepper should be viewed as just a robot, a friendly one.
Pepper does not speak and play sound effects at the same time.