About Aldebaran, a part of United Robotics Group

Aldebaran, formerly known as SoftBank Robotics Europe, is the leader in humanoid robotics, manufacturer of iconic robots NAO and Pepper.

Aldebaran joined forces with the United Robotics Group of Germany in 2022.

Since its inception in 2005, we have become the leader of the humanoid robot market. More than 40,000 social and interaction robots – NAO and Pepper – are used in more than 70 countries, in various sectors, ranging from retail to tourism, health, and education.

Aldebaran currently employs more than 180 people at its offices in Paris, its headquarter.

Our robots are unique

Designed to assist people, our robots are interactive, upgradeable, and engaging. They are in humanoid form in order to help social interaction.

NAO, the first robot in the adventure, is a true pioneer that has conquered the academic world. He is also used as an assistant by companies and healthcare institutions, as well as in the RoboCup.

Pepper is the first humanoid robot in the world to be able to identify faces and the main human emotions. Already, more than 2000 companies and organizations around the world have adopted Pepper, to help them welcome, inform and guide visitors in an innovative way.

 

pepper robot tourism

 

Our vision of robotics

nao robot education
 

 

 

 

All of our robots are driven by the same ambitions: goodwill and positive attitudes are at the core of all our products and applications.

Our robots are created to perceive their environment and interact as naturally as possible. They are benevolent, useful, and designed for everybody, including children and adults.

They find applications in multiple sectors; i.e. healthcare, academics, retail, hospitality, finance, tourism, restaurants, government, etc. 

Aldebaran Timeline

 

 

2022

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

- In April, SoftBank Robotics Europe announced it will be acquired by United Robotics Group, Germany.


2021

- SoftBank Robotics Europe and United Robotics Group announce a Master Distribution agreement for Pepper & NAO robots in Europe.


 

2020

- In July 2020, SoftBank Robotics Europe unveiled the AI Face Mask Detection free app for Pepper, to help during the Covid-19 crisis.


 

2019

- On the 2nd of April 2019, SoftBank Robotics linked up with the Cité de sciences et de l’industrie for the permanent exhibition 'Robots', which opened its doors to the public for a five-year period.


 

2018

- In 2018, the sixth version of NAO was launched: NAO⁶. A new, Android-compatible version of Pepper was also launched.


 

2016

- On the 19th of May 2016, in order to grow its global reputation, the Aldebaran brand became SoftBank Robotics.


 

2015

- On the 20th of June 2015, Pepper became the first humanoid robot available for Japanese homes.


 

2014

- In June 2014, SoftBank and Aldebaran unveiled 'Pepper' – the first personal robot in the world able to read emotions.

- The first Aldebaran Workshop opened its doors in Issy-les-Moulineaux on the 26th of June 2014: it was the first interaction and programming space with humanoid robots in the world!


 

2013

- In 2013, the ASK NAO project was created to offer an educational approach for teachers and autistic children using robotics.


 

2011

- In December 2011, a new version of NAO (NAO Next Gen) was launched, setting off to conquer secondary school classes.

- The same year, Aldebaran launched the NAO Developer Program aimed at inviting developers to take part in creating applications.

- Our robot ROMEO was created in 2011 in order to offer a range of new personal assistance technologies.


 

2010

- In 2010, twenty NAO robots danced at the France Pavilion and became the main attraction for the 10 million visitors at the Shanghai World Expo


 

2009

- In 2009, the ROMEO project was launched in collaboration with research laboratories and institutions, with the aim of furthering research on assisting people with reduced autonomy.


 

2008

- In 2008, NAO was selected to succeed Sony's Aibo in the RoboCup Standard Platform League. On course for the football world cup!


 

2006

- A new standard in education was born – NAO gradually widened his horizons beyond football to become a benchmark in the world of education and research.

- The team created the first real prototype of NAO. The first clients appeared: researchers! An iconic part of this pioneering adventure, nearly 13,000 NAO robots are currently used throughout the world, achieving great success in research and education in particular.


 

2005

- In 2005, Bruno Maisonnier founded Aldebaran, with five other passionate individuals who joined the adventure.