Hotels introduce robot services amid COVID-19 pandemic

A KT AI hotel robot delivers towels to guests. KT and Josun Hotels & Resorts signed a MOU, Dec. 17, to use the robots in the latter's new premises. / Courtesy of KT

By Jun Ji-hye

An increasing number of hotels here are utilizing robots and contactless technologies as part of their efforts to overcome an unprecedented crisis caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

Information and communication technology-based services help hotels improve convenience and collect necessary data and feedback to develop better methods to protect guests amid the global public health crisis.

Josun Hotels & Resorts signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with mobile carrier KT last month in a bid to innovate its services by utilizing the power of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Under the MOU, the two companies are set to jointly study and develop AI-based services, and employ use of AI robots in Josun Hotels & Resorts, including Gravity Seoul Pangyo, Autograph Collection.

The robots, equipped with the advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, would play a role as a digital butler. Robots would travel throughout the premises to fulfil guests' request, such as for towels, thus diminishing reliance on human staff.

"Through the MOU with KT, we will continue to upgrade the digital services of our newly opened hotels, and offer more distinguished and convenient services to our guests," said Brian Pak, the senior vice president who heads the Business Development Division at Josun Hotels & Resorts.

Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts have recently introduced a robot barista, called "BARIS."

The robot barista enables more precise coffee measuring and making to provide customers with greater tasting coffee, the company said, adding that the robot is also capable of communicating with customers through an LED display.

"The robot barista also helps minimize contact between people amid the prolonged pandemic," a Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts official remarked.

Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts' robot barista named "BARIS" / Courtesy of Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts

KB Financial Group Research Institute said in a report, issued Dec. 23, that smart technologies have become a new strategy for hotels to turn crisis into opportunity.

"Advanced services such as automated check-in and check-out as well as keyless entry systems have emerged at hotels," the report said. "In addition to these, digital tour guides utilizing global positioning system technologies as well as tourist attraction recommendation systems are being applied to the hospitality sector."

It is uncertain, however, when hotels will be able to recover their profits amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

According to data tallied by the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of international visitors to Korea from February to August in 2020 decreased 80 percent from a year earlier.

Officials from the hospitality industry said a full recovery of sales will only be possible when international tourism returns.

The KB institute report said it may take a considerable amount of time for hotels to recover their profits, considering there has yet to be a clear sign of a slowdown of virus infections here.

"International visitors have comprised a large proportion of hotels' profits, but the COVID-19 situation is very volatile," the report said.

Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn
Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn