“First Direct is a primarily customer-service business and Joe has a ... could to find new positions for the staff whose jobs are going. HSBC will be left with 625 branches, some 340 fewer ...

But HSBC executives say the robot is no gimmick. Instead, the bank expects Pepper to be a revelation when it comes to efficiency, customer service and even job growth. Is a robot coming for your job?

Starting today, customers at HSBC’s New York City flagship will be greeted by a friendly humanoid face. The bank’s Fifth Avenue location is employing Pepper, the customer service ‘bot that ...