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SoftBank launches robot venture with Alibaba, Foxconn

Japan's SoftBank Corp said on Thursday that it was setting up a joint venture with Alibaba and Foxconn Technology to sell its human-like robot Pepper to consumers around the world. 

PHOTO: REUTERS

JUN 18, 20151:57 PM

[TOKYO] Japan's SoftBank Corp said on Thursday that it was setting up a joint venture with Alibaba and Foxconn Technology to sell its human-like robot Pepper to consumers around the world.

The robots - which the mobile phone and Internet conglomerate envisions serving as baby-sitters, medical workers or even party companions - are already being used at stores including SoftBank's own mobile phone shops, but the companies said they would now be available to general consumers.

SoftBank said it would have a 60 per cent stake in the joint venture, with Alibaba and Foxconn holding 20 per cent each.

REUTERS

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