SoftBank Robotics now is allowing Android developers to create apps for its Pepper humanoid robot.
The company has launched the Pepper SDK for Android Studio beta, a software development kit that allows developers to implement apps on the Android platform.
In addition, SoftBank will begin Android-supported Pepper presales in July.
"The possibilities for Pepper RoboApp developers will greatly increase with Android support," SoftBank said in a prepared statement.
Cool! #PepperRobot gets #Android SDK - #Android #AI #robotics https://t.co/f10R9Vghi5
— Mobile Potpurri (@MobilePotpurri) May 21, 2016
Many Android developers are excited about the possibility of creating and deploying RoboApps for Pepper.
New site I worked on with @illcreative just launched: https://t.co/dRvQDFIHL0 Go build something with #PepperRobot pic.twitter.com/hc0GPTvqv1
— Paul Molluzzo (@PaulMolluzzo) May 19, 2016
Developers should expect to see plenty of Pepper in the United States, too.
SoftBank Japan opening up Pepper the Robot to Android, gets a US home https://t.co/coxcmttRmY pic.twitter.com/6mGsorQdzC
— Android Community (@androids) May 23, 2016
Of course, the demand for Android developers for Pepper could increase substantially over the next few years.
#android #app Humanoid 'Pepper' Robot Needs US Android Programmers https://t.co/HctG3AYTrC #iphone #ipad
— Shannon Dale (@ShannonDale15) May 20, 2016
Pepper, meanwhile, offers a wide range of opportunities for both developers and retailers worldwide.
SoftBank's Pepper robot gets a job: Waiting tables at Pizza Hut https://t.co/9phGojWnw7
— CNBC (@CNBC) May 25, 2016