MasterCard today unveiled the first commerce application for SoftBank Robotics' humanoid robot Pepper. The application will be powered by MasterPass, the global digital payment service from MasterCard that connects customers with merchants, enabling them making fast, basic, and protected digital payments across channels and devices. Pizza Hut Restaurants Asia P/L will be the inaugural launch partner collaborating with MasterCard to produce innovative customer engagement with Pepper.

A major primary step forward in bringing conversational commerce experiences to merchants and customers, this new app extends the robot's ability to incorporate customer support, access to info and sales into a seamless and consistent user experience. Pizza Hut Asia will be piloting Pepper for order-taking and customized engagement to improve client service in-store by end of 2016.

" Consumers have actually pertained to expect personalized service, tailored offers and simple and smooth procedures both in-store and online," said Tobias Puehse, vice president, innovation management, Digital Payments & Labs at MasterCard. "The app's goal is to provide customers with more unforgettable and tailored shopping experience beyond today's self-serve machines and booths, by combining Pepper's intelligence with a protected digital payment experience through MasterPass.".

A consumer will be able to start an engagement by merely welcoming Pepper and pairing the customer's MasterPass account by either tapping the Pepper icon within the wallet or by scanning a QR code on the tablet that the robot holds. After coupling with MasterPass, Pepper will have the ability to assist cardholders by offering customized recommendations and offers, extra info on products, and assistance in checking out and spending for items. Pepper will be able to start, approve and finish a deal by linking to MasterPass via a Wi-Fi connection and the whole deal takes place within the wallet.

" We are delighted to welcome Pepper to the Pizza Hut family," stated Vipul Chawla, Managing Director of Pizza Hut Restaurants Asia. "Core to our digital transformation journey is the ability making it simpler for consumers to engage, connect and negotiate with Pizza Hut. With an order-and-payment-enabled Pepper, clients can now concern expect personalized ordering at our shops, reduce wait time for carryout, and have a fun, frictionless user experience.".

The Pepper application includes to continuous MasterCard programs that bring payments to any consumer gadget, device or wearable-- from fitness bands to refrigerators and now robotics. The combination with Pepper has the potential to open up opportunities in the world of retail such as individualized shopping and concierge services, in-aisle checkout and the capability to purchase in store however get the goods provided at home.

The app is being showcased at the Pepper Partners Europe event hosted by SoftBank Robotics Europe (a SoftBank Robotics Holdings group company) in Paris from May 24 - 26, 2016.