The Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences in Seoul has rolled out its second-generation GiGA Genie hotel robot, four months after its introduction aimed at revolutionising the property’s room service.
KT Corp., South Korea’s largest telecommunications company, collaborated with Hyundai Robotics to upgrade the design and function of the second-generation AI-powered robot, which made its hotel debut last April 30.
The upgraded “N Bot” is slimmer and more streamlined than its predecessor, with delivery capsule that is 1.5 times larger so it can carry deliveries more efficiently. The motor and wheels have also been improved, increasing the robot’s speed by 40% and its manoeuvrability around obstacles. Also, the battery lifespan is 30% longer than the previous version.
Based on statistics collated from N Bot in the half year it has been deployed in the 211-room hotel, bottled water was the most frequent delivery request between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., followed by towels, slippers, tooth brushes, shampoos and body cleansers. Most of those deliveries were before midnight with guests saying they appreciated avoiding in-person room service late at night.
N Bot makes in-room deliveries at guests’ voice command or via touch screen orders. Linked to an AI speaker, N Bot is capable of seamless service to local and foreign guests, from order to delivery. Currently, user interface is available in Korean, English and Chinese. Application in other languages is also possible.
At present, KT is seeking to further commercialise its AI robots by expanding their usage to other industries. The telecommunications company expects users will especially appreciate the robots amid efforts to reduce in-person service contact during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We will try to help our customers enjoy greater convenience in their everyday lives by applying AI robot services in a wider variety of areas beyond hotels, including food and beverages and office operations,” said Kim Chae-Hee, KT’s head of AI business.
