The configuration of Softbank's Pepper robot as a Japanese Buddhist priest able to deliver funerals sparked consternation that it would replace human priests. 

Dressed in traditional Buddhist robes, Pepper chants Buddhist funeral sutras while tapping a drum and other funeral rites.

The robot was developed by plastic moulding maker Nissei Eco Co. and introduced as a way to help resolve staffing and revenue problems at Japanese temples, which had been suffering from falling attendences due increased secularisation and an ageing population.

'Pepper' was said to cost less at JPY 50,000 (about USD 450) per funeral compared to more than JPY 240,000 (USD 2,200) for a human priest.