Pepper will join Tui Nordic’s data analytics and machine learning team.

The robot assistant has a job description and their own personal goals like any other Tui employee.

Tui says it is the first travel company to employ a robot.

Alexander Huber, managing director Tui Nordic, said: “Automation, AI and robotics are important elements of TUI’s future.

“We already have some of the best specialists in this field and I am excited to see how Pepper 2E will contribute to our team.

“Most importantly, I hope he sparks curiosity and engagement with all of our TUI Nordic colleagues.”

Pepper 2E started on August 14 and will be based primarily at Tui’s Stockholm office.

His main role will be to “inspire innovation and curiosity”, while also assisting colleagues, visitors and customers with every day questions and problems.

Elke Eller, Tui Group HR director, added: “We are shaping the future of travel in many areas. Employees like Pepper 2E can support our teams. At the same time, they give us an impression of what the work of the future might look like.

The ‘hiring’ of Pepper 2E stands for curiosity about the future and openness for new technologies. These are important prerequisites for the success of the digital transformation of Tui.”

Pepper will undergo a probation period, report to a line manager and spend his first few months getting to know his new office and employees, just like his new human friends.

Manufactured by SoftBank, Pepper can understand and speak multiple languages and even understand human emotions, says Tui.