Aldebaran | Humanoid and programmable robots

Aldebaran, formerly SoftBank Robotics Europe, is a leader in humanoid robotics and the maker of the iconic robots NAO and Pepper.

Aldebaran joined forces with Germany’s United Robotics Group in 2022.

Since our founding in 2005, we have become a market leader in humanoid robots. More than 40,000 social and interactive robots (NAO and Pepper) are in use in more than 70 countries in various sectors such as retail, tourism, healthcare and education.

Aldebaran currently has more than 180 employees in its headquarters office in Paris.

Our robots are unique

Our robots are designed to help people, be interactive, upgradeable and engaging. They have a humanoid shape and facilitate social interaction.

NAO is the first robot in this adventure and a true pioneer in conquering the academic world. It is also used as an assistant by companies and medical institutions and participates in RoboCup.

Pepper is the world's first humanoid robot capable of recognizing faces and the main human emotions. Currently, more than 2,000 companies and organizations around the world have adopted Pepper to help them welcome, inform and guide visitors in innovative ways.

Our vision for robotics

All our robots are driven by the same ambition: kindness and a positive attitude are at the core of all our products and applications.

Our robots are able to perceive their surroundings and interact as naturally as possible. They are friendly, practical and suitable for everyone, including children and adults.

They can be applied in many fields, such as healthcare, academics, retail, hospitality, finance, tourism, catering, government, etc.

Timeline

2022

• In June, the company name was changed back to Aldebaran.

• In April, SoftBank Robotics Europe announced that it would be acquired by Germany's United Robotics Group.

2021

• SoftBank Robotics Europe and United Robotics Group announced the signing of a European master distribution agreement for Pepper and NAO robots.

2020

• In July 2020, SoftBank Robotics Europe launched a free AI mask detection application for Pepper in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

2019

• On April 2, 2019, SoftBank Robotics and the City of Science and Industry in France jointly held a permanent exhibition "Robots" for a period of five years, which was open to the public.

2018

• In 2018, the sixth version of NAO is launched: NAO⁶. A new version of Pepper is also launched, compatible with Android.

2016

• On May 19, 2016, Aldebaran changes its name to SoftBank Robotics in order to enhance its global reputation.

2015

• On June 20, 2015, Pepper becomes the first humanoid robot to be marketed in Japanese homes.

2014

• In June 2014, SoftBank and Aldebaran launch "Pepper" - the world's first personal robot capable of reading emotions.

• The first Aldebaran Studio opens on June 26, 2014 in Issy-les-Moulineaux: the world's first space to interact with and program a humanoid robot!

2013

• In 2013, the ASK NAO project is founded, with the aim of providing educational methods for teachers and children with autism through robotics.

2011

• In December 2011, a new version of NAO (NAO Next Gen) is launched and begins to conquer secondary school classrooms.

• In the same year, Aldebaran launches the NAO Developer Program, aimed at inviting developers to participate in the creation of applications.

• Our robot ROMEO was created in 2011 to provide a new range of personal assistance technologies.

2010

• In 2010, 20 NAO robots danced in the French Pavilion and became the focus of 10 million visitors at the Shanghai World Expo.

2009

• In 2009, the ROMEO project was launched in collaboration with research laboratories and institutions to further study how to help people with reduced autonomy.

2008

• In 2008, NAO was selected as the successor to Sony Aibo to participate in the RoboCup Standard Platform League. Marching towards the World Cup of Football!

2006

• A new standard in education is born - NAO's vision gradually goes beyond football and becomes a benchmark in education and research.

• The team creates the first real prototype of NAO. The first customers appear: researchers! As a landmark part of this groundbreaking adventure, nearly 13,000 NAO robots are now in use around the world, with great success especially in research and education.

2005

• In 2005, Bruno Maisonnier co-founded Aldebaran with five other adventurers.