The Japanese department store chain Mitsukoshi has become the first in the world to have an android receptionist.

The robot, made by Toshiba, will greet costumers and has some prepared remarks programmed, in case customers need information.

Known as Aiko Chihira, the robot looks almost human-like, except for its stiff movements and blank stare, and was introduced to the chain’s Tokyo store on Monday, according to Reuters. Toshiba developed Chihira over the last year and it is programmed not only with Japanese and Japanese sign language, but other languages like Chinese.

"It would be good if we can have her provide guidance, or recommend various things in Chinese," said Hitoshi Tokuda, Toshiba's new business development division group manager.

"... People can be looking around and think, 'Oh if Aiko is around, she can speak Chinese.' That's what I hope will happen."

The robot made its appearance alongside opera singer Shoko Iwashita, whom it accompanied in a performance, even speaking to the singer.

"I would like you to listen to the song that I've put a lot of effort into," Chihira said.

According to the Telegraph, Toshiba developed the technology that helps the robot move as well as synching its mouth with its voice. Technology by android pioneer Hiroshi Ishiguro from the Osaka University Intelligent Robotics Laboratory is also used in the robot.

It served on the store’s main entrance as a receptionist until Tuesday. It was then moved to the store’s seventh floor where it will serve as a guide until May 5.

Toshiba unveiled the robot earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January, according to the Daily Mail. The firm hopes the robot can also work as a caregiver for the elderly. The robot has the most realistic facial expressions of any other android, claims Toshiba.

They used 43 pneumatic actuators for Chihira to achieve almost human-like movement. Twenty-four of these are in her arms, shoulders and hands while 15 are in her face.

Watch Chihira interact with customers: