Robots have been accused of taking people's jobs and stealing sexual partners. Now, they could also be used to give humans their last rites.

A Japanese company has found a new role for Softbank's Pepper robot: a Buddhist priest-for-hire. Plastics manufacturer Nissei Eco has trained Pepper to read scriptures, chant prayers and tap drums as part of a funeral ceremony.

The company uses the four-foot tall humanoid Pepper, which to date has been put to work as a family robot, in nursing homes and as a bank assistant.

The robot debuted at a "Life Ending Expo" in Tokyo, where Pepper was dressed in ceremonial robes for the funeral industry.