Japanese Robot With a 'Heart' Sells Out In One Minute

By James Titcomb

Pepper, a robot designed to detect human emotions, sells 1,000 unit release almost immediately, according to its developer Softbank.

Pepper went on sale over the weekend

Pepper, a robot capable of detecting human emotions, sold out in under a minute at the weekend, as Japanese consumers raced to be one of the first to own the "robot with a heart".

Softbank, which developed the humanoid machine and announced it last year, said it had sold the first batch of 1,000 robots online in the first 60 seconds they were on sale.

Pepper, which costs 198,000 yen (around £1,000) plus monthly service and insurance fees, is capable of recognising feelings such as anger, joy and sadness. Including the other fees, the cost of owning one is around 1.2m yen (£6,000) over three years.

It then reacts accordingly, providing companionship for those who do not have it, or are simply curious about the latest robotic developments.

The robot has been designed to help address Japan's rapidly ageing population. The median age in the country is 46 - one of the world's highest - and its birth rate has slumped to a record low.

“Our vision is to offer a robot with love,” Softbank chief executive Masayoshi Son said at a press conference last week.

Pepper, which is four foot high, and weighs around four-and-a-half stone, can dance to music, bow in respect and move its arms in a convincing interpretation of human movement.

Softbank, which plans to release Pepper in other countries later this year, will put 1,000 units a month on sale. It has big plans for the robot, but says it will not make a profit on it for years.

5 Ways To Lead Your Team More Effectively

Brent Gleeson ,

 CONTRIBUTOR

I cover leadership and marketing for entrepreneurs. 

 "We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations." – Navy SEAL Creed

Most great leaders have a passion for building and leading an elite team. Who wants to lead a team based on mediocrity and moderation anyway? That would be a direct negative reflection on who? The leadership. But leading elite teams takes persistence and a consistent pursuit of personal and professional development. Constant personal reflection and taking action based on regular feedback.

I try to constantly study the art of leadership and have drawn many comparisons from my time in the Navy SEAL teams to my experiences as an entrepreneur leading a growing company. Here are five tips for leading an elite team.

Create an environment of leadership. 

At all levels. When you consider the caliber of team members you find in the military your first inclination might be to wonder how they recruit and develop such selflessness. Such an attitude of service and loyalty to the person to your right and left. But with further consideration, one will realize that it is more about the environment and culture that creates these attitudes and makes them a reality.

Elite teams have leaders at all levels. There are many successful organizations out there where the most senior leaders are absolutely not leaders. They are authorities. And because they are authorities, people do what they say. But those people would never truly follow them. And then there are people at the very bottom of the totem pole that are true leaders. Emergent leaders that take charge in the absence of orders and inspire those around them.

Make the team feel safe. 

Management and leadership are different disciplines.You cannot manage a team into combat. They must be led. It is hard to think that anyone would feel safe in a combat situation. It is all about trust and loyalty. When you trust the leadership and the team members to your right, left and rear, you have an overwhelming sense of comfort. When bullets start flying, politics go out the window. You are fighting to protect your teammates and nothing more.

Imagine if everyone on your team embodied this kind of philosophy? What an unwavering sense of loyalty that would create, and therefore a distinct competitive advantage over your competition. This starts at the top by senior leaders staying calm under pressure, communicating effectively, providing resources and removing obstacles. When the team feels safe and supported, they will do everything in their power to execute their responsibilities and go above and beyond to help achieve company goals.

Actively manage through adaptive change. 

This is critical in combat as in business. All businesses experience change, especially growing businesses in dynamic industries. Great leaders know when it’s time for change, even if it means reinventing your business. This can be a scary thing for the team and often things get worse before they get better.

Change management requires a few key things from the leadership. First, you need to communicate what the change is and why it is necessary for the company to continue to be successful. Second, you need to ensure that each team member regardless of rank or position understands how this change impacts them and what is required of them for productive implementation. Third, you need to make the team aware of what the leadership is doing in order to provide support and resources during the transitional period of change. And fourth, over communicate consistently during this time and get feedback. In the SEAL teams we say “pass the word.” Simply put, this means tell me what the hell is going on. Make sure to tell your team what the hell is going on.

Be a servant to your team. 

I recently finished reading Steven Pressfield’s historical fiction ’The Afghan Campaign‘ about Alexander the Great’s invasion of the Afghan kingdoms in 330 B.C. And Alexander, in all his ambition and arrogance, was at heart, the epitome of a true servant leader. He led from the front affording himself no additional comforts that his men didn’t have during their brutal trek through the Hindu Kush Mountains.

Great leaders embrace the concept of servant leadership asking nothing of their team they haven’t already done or aren’t willing to do themselves. And while you can’t always be in the trenches side-by-side with your team members, making a conscious effort to do so periodically goes a long way. Then, when you’re out there steering the ship they know you still care intimately about their specific roles in achieving the company’s vision.

Always eat last. 

Traditionally, in the military the officers eat last at chow time. This is a simple but impactful gesture of leadership. When you sacrifice for your team, they will sacrifice for you. It is the team that must execute on a daily basis and therefore it is imperative they have the resources to do so, even before you do.

Earlier I referenced the book ‘The Afghan Campaign.” When Alexander was leading forced marches through treacherous and unforgiving mountain conditions, eventually the food ran out. He could have easily had a personal supply train providing him with food and all the comforts of home, but he didn’t. When his men didn’t eat, neither did he. Yet he still projected strength and positivity despite seemingly impossible odds.

These five elements of leadership are not easy to execute on a consistent basis. It requires a daily focus and attention. Asking yourself, with each move and decision you make, am I being the best possible leader I can right now? If not, adjust accordingly.

Don’t Give Up! You’re Succeeding in Life More Than You Think

By Smart Healthy Beautiful

REMEMBER! Materials possessions do not always show your success. Don't just dodge the bullets, appreciate the little victories! Goal #15 is the ultimate success in life!

Failure is something that everyone may feel at one point and time. Even though this is a normal feeling, you should always try to find a different perspective in your life. The "little things" in life may get unnoticed or even ignored because you may think of things being out of rich such as not being a millionaire, not driving the most expensive car or not living in a big mansion. Not having these material items does not mean that you are a failure. Actually, it is the quite opposite.

If you need a boost of confidence to show that you are succeeding in life more than you think you are, here are 15 things that will give you a better mindset.

1. You surround yourself with the right people.

The right people in your life will uplift you and spread positivity all around. A good life will includepositive people that can help create a joyful and happy life that you are seeking. Think about the saying, "misery loves company". When you have negative people in your life, you tend to attract negativity more than you would like. 

The best way to take care of discouraging people in your life is to get rid of them. Of course, this can be hurtful, yet in order to keep those positive vibes, the negative ones have to go. You will soon then see all of the positive existence in your life from here on.

2. You don't complain much anymore.

When you complain about an issue continuously, you're putting in more energy into something negative then you should.  Instead of complaining, you should take the steps of rectifying the situation constructively. Daily experiences can be mundane and successful people know this already. Live in a space of gratitude.

3. You learned the importance of saying "no". 

Saying the word no can be hard sometimes, especially when you don't want to let anyone down. However, having self-love is a success. When things do not make you happy or does not serve a purpose in your life, it is okay to say no.

4. Relationships for you become less dramatic. 

You've noticed that your relationships are not filled with drama as your passed relationships. When you have moved on from unnecessary arguments or fights, you have become successful.

5. You accept what you can't change, but change what you can.

Throughout life, there will be things that you can't change. Once you realize that you can't change everything, then you become more acceptance in your life and be more happy. On the opposite, there will be things that you can change for yourself, accepting the negatives that are changeable.

  

6. You understand failures and setbacks are a part of growth.

Setbacks and failures happens. You will not win at everything. Life has victories and losses and what you can do with setbacks and failures is learn from experience. Use these as a stepping stone and not as a threat to bring you down.

7. You celebrate other people's successes. 

Giving praise to others for their accomplishments not only uplifts them, but it can also uplift you. More positive energy towards other's victories will give you positive energy all around.

8. You have people who give you a strong support system.

When you realize the people who are there to lift you up and are there for you through thick and then, you have a strong support system. You'll also learn those who shows signs of betrayal and you can keep a distance from them.

9. Your goals come true.

Even though you have failures through life, sticking with your dreams and goals long enough will become fruitful. When you have the taste of victory, it can fuel you to keep pushing more.

  

10. You do not fall victim. 

Your life experiences come from how you make it. Life doesn't always happen to you and to become successful in this mindset is to not have negative things in life keep you down. You should rise up and conquer.

11. You look on the bright side of things.

Disappointments in life will happen and will always be there if you look at it in that way. A negative experience should be used as a learning opportunity and should not be wasted.

12. You have things to look forward to.

Successful people have excitement in their life http://tinybuddha.com/blog/why-we-should-look-forward-more-each-day/ that drives them. They create goals that they have a passion for and want to pursue. When you don't have anything to look forward to to keep you going, you may feel unsuccessful, detached and lose your passion.

13. You're not looking for other people's approval.

You're learning that you can make everyone happy. Society always judges people and it is unrealistic. What you know is that you can love the person that you are and stay true to yourself.

14. Your standards are much higher.

You see yourself not tolerating bad behavior from anyone around you or even yourself. You hold other people and yourself accountable for the actions they have created.

15. You are happy.

Happiness within you is the ultimate success. You know that things be positive and you have optimism no matter what is thrown at you. If you are happy, then you are definitely succeeding in life.

People actually do better than they give themselves credit for. When you recognize yourself going into the right direction, you are on the right track to succeed. Keep these little tidbits in mind. Life is short. Choose to be happy and positive. Choose to have a positive outlook and always believe in yourself. Even if you don't see yourself in most of these 15 signs, don't be disappointed. It's okay. Keep moving upward and onward. In time, they will come to you.

12 Reason Why We Shall Drink Water

Water is the second most popular beverage in the U.S. after soft drinks. This is a scary stat, since sugary soda is a huge health hazard, upping the risk of obesity, stroke, and other heart problems. However, these dangers can be avoided if people choose to drink water, which doesn’t have negative side effects. So help put the sugary stuff to the side and make water the number one drink of choice. The benefits really are endless. (Just take a look!)

Fluid balance

Roughly 60 percent of the body is made of water. Drinking enough H2O maintains the body’s fluid balance, which helps transport nutrients in the body, regulate body temperature, digest food, and more.

Calorie control

Forget other diet tricks—drinking water could also help with weight loss. Numerous studies have found a connection between water consumption and losing a few pounds   . The secret reason? Water simply helps people feel full, and as a result consume fewer calories.

Muscle fuel

Sweating at the gym causes muscles to lose water. And when the muscles don’t have enough water, they get tired  . So for extra energy, try drinking water to push through that final set of squats.

Clearer skin

Certain toxins in the body can cause the skin to inflame, which results in clogged pores and acne  . While science saying water makes the skin wrinkle free is contradictory, water does flush out these toxins and can reduce the risk of pimples.

Kidney function

Our kidneys process 200 quarts of blood daily, sifting out waste and transporting urine to the bladder. Yet, kidneys need enough fluidsto clear away what we don’t need in the body. Let's drink to that!

Productivity boost

In order to really focus, a glass of water could help people concentrate and stay refreshed and alert.

Fatigue buster

Move over coffee—water can help fight those tired eyes too  . One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is tiredness. Just another reason to go for the big gulp! (Not the 7-11 kind.)

Hangover help

If booze has got the best of you, help a hangover with a glass of water to hydrate the body and stop that pounding headache.

Pain prevention

A little water can really go a long way. Aching joints and muscle cramps and strains can all occur if the body is dehydrated  .

Keep things flowing

Nobody wants to deal with digestion issues. Luckily, drinking enough water adds fluids to the colon which helps make things, ahem, move smoothly.

Sickness fighter

Water may help with decongestion and dehydration, helping the body bounce back when feeling under the weather. Just beware—drinking fluids hasn’t been scientifically proven to beat colds in one swoop, so don’t swap this for a trip to the doctor or other cold remedies.

Brain boost

A study in London found a link between students bringing water into an exam room and better grades, suggesting H2O promotes clearer thinking. While it’s unclear if drinking the water had anything to do with a better score, it doesn’t hurt to try it out!

Bottoms Up—Your Action Plan

The amount of water people need per day is up for debate, but studies suggest adults need nine to 16 cups of H2O. However this number varies depending on activity level, age, and how much water people are consuming in coffee, tea, or water-rich veggies and fruit. Here’s how to keep yourself hydrated: Begin by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up, and 30 minutes before eating any big meal. (This will help control appetite, too.) Get in the habit of keeping a water bottle on hand at all times. And if the taste beings to bore, spice up the taste buds with a squeeze of citrus to the glass! Before you know it, all the benefits of water will be right at your fingertips… and in your body.

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