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Coming to a hotel near you: the robot humanoid receptionist
By Marie JULIEN
Berlin (AFP) March 13, 2016
In a hotel not in a galaxy far, far away, a robot bids you welcome as you pull into the driveway. Another hands out the keycard to your room, and a third gives you the password to the wifi network.
Robots are making an entry into the hospitality industry that has until now always prided itself on delivering a warm and personable touch.
At an entrance to Berlin's exhibition hall where thousands of travel industry professionals are gathering for the ITB trade show, humanoid robot ChihiraKanae greets visitors -- in English, German, Chinese and Japanese.
Dressed in a blue jacket with a neck scarf, ChihiraKanae is on her first visit to Europe where she is seeking potential employment for herself and her kind.
Three months ago, her "sister" began working as a meet-and-greeter in a Tokyo shopping centre.
Their creator, Toshiba, also foresees a great future ahead for them in tourism.
Mario has already found a job -- at the Ghent Marriott Hotel in Belgium, where he has welcomed visitors since June.
He is also multi-lingual, speaking 19 languages to be precise. On top of that, he helps with serving at hotel buffets, and entertains guests by singing and dancing.
By Marie JULIEN
Berlin (AFP) March 13, 2016
In a hotel not in a galaxy far, far away, a robot bids you welcome as you pull into the driveway. Another hands out the keycard to your room, and a third gives you the password to the wifi network.
Robots are making an entry into the hospitality industry that has until now always prided itself on delivering a warm and personable touch.
At an entrance to Berlin's exhibition hall where thousands of travel industry professionals are gathering for the ITB trade show, humanoid robot ChihiraKanae greets visitors -- in English, German, Chinese and Japanese.
Dressed in a blue jacket with a neck scarf, ChihiraKanae is on her first visit to Europe where she is seeking potential employment for herself and her kind.
Three months ago, her "sister" began working as a meet-and-greeter in a Tokyo shopping centre.
Their creator, Toshiba, also foresees a great future ahead for them in tourism.
Mario has already found a job -- at the Ghent Marriott Hotel in Belgium, where he has welcomed visitors since June.
He is also multi-lingual, speaking 19 languages to be precise. On top of that, he helps with serving at hotel buffets, and entertains guests by singing and dancing.
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