The newest employee at Town & Country Federal Credit Union isn’t even human, but a walking, talking wide-eyed robot named Pepper. She can even dance and engage in small talk.
Asked about the weather one morning, the mechanical helper responded that “my operating environment is climate-controlled. I recommend the same.”
Pepper, produced by SoftBank Robotics in Japan and equipped with a touch screen and long, flexible arms capable of giving high-fives like any real person, is based at 59 Middle St. in the credit union’s new technology hub.
A cross between a showroom without anything for sale and small event space, it’s formally known as Collab:TECH by Town & Country FCU.
The 3,400-square-foot leased space, located in a former tile store, aims to offer Town & Country members and others an opportunity to see, touch and experience technology used in banking and other industries.
With $517.6 million in in assets as of Sept. 30, Town & Country was ranked Maine’s fifth-largest credit union in a Mainebiz list published Dec. 1.
David Libby, president and CEO of the Scarborough-based credit union and a 42-year industry veteran, said the vision for Collab:TECH goes back several years.
“Collab is an endeavor by Town & Country to create literally a hub for our community to engage with one another and collaborate in ways that will inspire people to think in new ways,” he told Mainebiz during a recent visit.
Exploration and engagement
Libby said the space serves three purposes. First, it provides a place for members to explore the credit union’s mobile banking app and other digital technologies.
Second, it allows members to experience augmented reality and other emerging technologies that could potentially be applied to financial services in the future. Toward that end, visitors are invited to try AR headsets and take selfies with Pepper.
Third, it offers the broader community the opportunity to learn about technologies from experts from other industries, ranging from robotics to blockchain.
Those who are interested can also interact and share ideas online at collab.org.
“Physical spaces are only a part of the Collab ecosystem, while the website platform is a significant driver of connecting people and the community with Collab,” said Jon Paradise, Town & Country’s senior vice president of marketing, communications and community outreach.
Building a network
Eventually, Libby said that Town & Country aims to build a whole network of Collab:TECH spaces in Maine dedicated to connection, curiosity and collaboration.
Every now and then, a visitor will ask if the Middle Street hub is a coworking space or a coffee shop. Though it’s neither, Libby said visitors are welcome to bring their own coffee.
With Pepper always at the ready to answer questions or boogie to pre-programmed music — “Let me show you what I’ve got,” she said before giving a demo — there should be plenty of food for thought to go with every sip.
