Johannesburg, 19 Jul 2018
Pepper, Nedbank's fully programmable humanoid robot, will attend Meeting of Minds: ITWeb Artificial Intelligence 2018 being held on 1 and 2 August at The Forum in Bryanston, Johannesburg
Fabio Mione, Head of Nedbank Integrated Channels Project, Change and Strategic Execution office, who will be presenting at the event, says Pepper is the latest addition to the Nedbank family and was the first humanoid robot to be unveiled in Africa in February this year.
"Pepper acts as Nedbank's Digital Ambassador to engage, educate and delight clients. She has started touring our branches countrywide and is attracting people to our branches. She is currently interacting with existing and prospective clients on Nedbank's products and services, including digital and self-service offerings," explains Mione.
He says it is important to bear in mind that there is a clear distinction between humanoid robots and robotic software automation. The majority of businesses have a slew of admin-heavy and time-consuming processes that could take a fraction of the time and be done more efficiently through programmable robotic software automation, realising cost savings and efficiencies for both the organisation and clients. Humanoid robots are more focused on personal interaction with clients.
While Nedbank only has one Pepper currently, the bank plans to acquire another humanoid robot before the end of the year as part of its progressive digital journey to be more innovative, competitive, agile and focused on delighting clients. Nedbank's technological advancements have been recognised globally, with the bank picking up The Most Innovative Retail Bank in South Africa 2018 at the International Banker awards in London in June and The Banker magazine's recent technology award in the AI category.
Angela Mace, CRM and events director at ITWeb, says Pepper is an exciting addition to the lineup of the day.
"Technological advances, especially robotics, are revolutionising the workplace, and providing new business opportunities. Having Fabio and Pepper at the event will add tremendous value, and give delegates an understanding of how humanoid robotics can not only revolutionise banking, but all businesses, across all industries."
Mace says delegates will learn how AI, machine learning and robotics have the ability to greatly enhance their current businesses, to help them remain competitive and survive during this era of digital disruption.
"In addition to the fantastic line up of local and international speakers, attendees will enjoy a mixture of theoretical and practical information, as well as interactive panel discussions on controversial topics."
The event also features two half-day practical workshops, and a variety of networking sessions, concludes Mace.
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