Important Innovations

  Purchase is About Technology for Autonomous Cars                                             Source:  Boston Dynamics $1.1 Billion Deal South Korean automaker Hyundai has purchased from Japan's Softbank the majority stake in robotics company Boston Dynamics for $1.1 billion.  Boston Dynamics is a cutting edge robotics firm and world famous for its robot dog Spot.  Hyundai is making the purchase to advance its autonomous technology for self-driving cars. Multi-tasking Spot Spot is a highly advanced, semi-autonomous, 4 legged robot that works around the world in many capacities.  It is on duty in many hospitals to help minimize medical staff exposure to COVID.  Spot works on construction sites, factory floors, on oil rigs and can even serve as a personal companion that opens the door or a bottle of coke.  Now, its robotic technology will empower autonomous vehicles.  Experts say Spot's robotic technology may also enable the smart factories of the future and innovative, new tech

Vehicles Electric and On-Demand Source:  Toyota Electric Car First Market Japan  The Toyota SoftBank electric vehicle alliance now includes Mazda, Suburu, Suzuki, Isuzu and Toyota's compact car unit Daihatsu.  Each will invest $530,620 in the venture called Monet in return for a 2% stake in the EV company.  They join Honda and Hino Trucks, each of which have a 10% stake in the new entity.  Toyota and SoftBank own 35% each in a venture now capitalized at $26.6 million. Big Plans for Monet The group plans to rollout on demand bus and car services next year.  Monet is building up members for its on demand services and  expects to have a service platform for electric vehicles by 2023.  This alliance is a primary example of automakers joining forces to offer vehicle services rather than selling cars and to share the massive investment to develop new electric vehicles.

Robotic Superstar The International Robot Exhibition just kicked off in Tokyo.  The exhibits are featuring robot farmers, entertainers, elderly helpers and disaster relief first responders.  But SoftBank's Pepper has stolen the show.  The latest version of the humanoid robot is getting rave press reviews. Personable Robot on the Job  It's an emotional humanoid that's 4'4" tall.  Pepper moves around on wheels and according to initial reviews, it's charming, chatty, considerate, reads human emotions, offers good advice and loves to make small talk. One Japanese journalist said it provides you "arduous attention". And, it's a hot seller.  In fact, out of the box it was a sell-out.  SoftBank continues to develop it including new jobs for it to do. Pepper's Job Resume Pepper's work experience starts with duty in homes.  But it's also successful in customer service at shopping malls, train stations and banks.  Pepper is conversant