Japanese communications giant Dentsu has invested $3M in Boston's Jibo, a start-up in the social robot arena.
Launched by MIT professor and social robotics pioneer Cynthia Breazeal, the Jibo personal assistant incorporates voice/emotion recognition, natural language processing, machine learning and expressive display/movement designed to make everyday tasks easier and achieve companionship, according to Dentsu's announcement.
The investment is the first project for Dentsu Ventures Global Fund I, which was launched in April to bankroll start-ups with a yet unseen future and further innovation through the communications group.
Dentsu believes Jibo will usher in changes in the way information is assimilated to serve as a infrastucture/communication hub for the home.
Business leaders will face challenges in the upcoming year, some of which will come as a complete surprise, or beyond anyone's imagination.
Teneo has hired Philipp Grontzki, who is a 20-year veteran of corporate communications and financial journalism, as a managing director in its strategy and communications group.
Rowan Benecke, who co-founded Zeno Group and helmed Burson-Marsteller's tech practice, has joined McKinsey & Co as director of communications for North America.
BCW has named Golin's Matt Coldagelli EVP and leader of its corporate affairs practice in Chicago.
Abby Bailey, who headed corporate communications for Fedex in its Middle East, India and Africa region, has joined Teneo as managing director in Dubai.
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