KT's 2nd Generation AI Hotel Robot Enhances Room Services

Rhea-AI Summary

KT Corp. (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT) has launched its second-generation hotel robot, the N Bot, at the Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun in Seoul. This AI robot enhances room service by delivering water, towels, and other amenities faster and more efficiently, improving on its predecessor. N Bot's features include autonomous driving, voice recognition, and a design that allows for quicker deliveries. With a larger delivery capsule and improved battery life, KT aims to expand the robot's application beyond hotels amidst rising demand for contactless service due to COVID-19.

Positive

• Launch of the advanced N Bot hotel robot, enhancing customer experience.
• Improved delivery speed by 40% and battery lifespan by 30% compared to the previous model.
• Expansion plans for AI robots into other industries, such as food and beverages.

Negative

• None.

SEOUL, South Korea, June 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- KT Corp. (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT), South Korea's largest telecommunications company, announced its second-generation GiGA Genie hotel robot, dubbed "N Bot," has improved room service at Seoul's Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences.

KT collaborated with Hyundai Robotics to upgrade the design and function of its AI hotel robot. N Bot debuts on April 30 at Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun, South Korea's first AI hotel, owned by KT Real Estate Inc.

KT's GiGA Genie AI speaker and hotel robot series feature cutting-edge ICT technologies, including space mapping, autonomous driving, and voice recognition. It began room deliveries of bottled water, towels and other amenities at guests' voice command or via touch screen orders, in December last year.

KT will seek to further commercialize opportunities through its AI robots and to expand their usage to other industries. It expects users will especially appreciate the robots amid efforts to reduce in-person service contact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

KT's head of AI business Kim Chae-Hee said, "KT 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."

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.

N Bot's design is upgraded to slimmer and more streamlined than the first-generation robot. The delivery capsule is 1.5 times larger so that it could carry deliveries more efficiently. The motor and wheels have also been improved, increasing the robot's speed by 40 percent and its maneuverability around obstacles. Also, the battery lifespan is 30 percent longer than the previous version.

The first-generation GiGA Genie hotel robot has been in service at Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun for six months and made deliveries to its 211 rooms. 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.  

Besides amenity deliveries, Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun uses its AI robot for promotional events and other guest activities.

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ABOUT KT CORPORATION (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT)

KT Corp., Korea's largest telecommunications service provider, reestablished in 1981 under the Telecommunications Business Act, is leading the era of innovations in the world's most connected country. The company is leading the 4^th industrial revolution with high speed wire/wireless network and new ICT technology. KT launched the world's first nationwide commercial 5G network on April 3, 2019, after successfully showcasing the world's first trial 5G services at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in February 2018. This is another milestone in KT's continuous efforts to deliver essential products and services as it aspires to be the number one ICT Company and People's Company.

For more information, please visit our English website at https://corp.kt.com/eng/

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SOURCE KT Corp.

FAQ

What is KT's second-generation hotel robot?

KT's second-generation hotel robot, known as N Bot, delivers amenities like water and towels to guest rooms at Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun.

When did KT launch the N Bot?

KT launched N Bot at the Novotel Ambassador Dongdaemun on April 30.

What improvements does the N Bot offer?

N Bot features a larger delivery capsule, faster delivery speeds, and longer battery life compared to its predecessor.

How does KT plan to utilize AI robots beyond hotels?

KT aims to expand AI robot services into various industries, including food and beverage sectors.

What impact has COVID-19 had on KT's AI robot initiatives?

The demand for contactless service amid COVID-19 has driven KT to enhance and commercialize its AI robots.