A Norwegian hotel operator is currently assessing the implementation of life-sized transparent LCD-driven AI avatars to facilitate check-ins and address guest inquiries during times when front desk staff are unavailable. This initiative marks a notable advance in the use of artificial intelligence within the hospitality industry.
The AI avatar system was first introduced at the Aiden by Best Western Lolland hotel in Denmark last month. The installation, crafted by the Dutch company Holoconnects, merges seamlessly with the cloud-based hospitality management system Mews and incorporates RAVATAR’s AI avatar platform. CIC Hospitality, the operating firm overseeing 13 Aiden by Best Western locations across the Nordic region, has opted for this technology to enhance guest interactions and streamline processes.
The AI solution features "real-time lifelike AI digital humans" designed to manage various guest-centric tasks. These include checking guests in and out, generating room keys, making additional room reservations, handling dining requests, and responding to general inquiries. The technology promises to create an engaging, interactive atmosphere, allowing guests to converse naturally with the AI avatar while remaining tethered to the operational capabilities of Mews for hotel bookings.
Matthias Tanski, CEO of CIC Hospitality, remarked on the significance of this innovation, stating, “This launch underscores CIC Hospitality’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology to transform guest experiences. We are excited to collaborate with Holoconnects and Mews to explore how cutting-edge solutions like this holographic front desk avatar can enhance the hospitality landscape.” The partnership aims to gather insights from guests and industry experts to refine the system's performance and user satisfaction.
The AI-powered avatar operates within a Holobox, which provides a lifelike visual experience using 4K high-resolution 3D holographic projections. In instances where the AI avatar may struggle to address a guest’s needs adequately, a direct connection allows visitors to speak with a live employee based in Oslo. The feedback collected from this deployment will be utilised to fine-tune functionalities, reduce response times, and further improve the user experience.
André Smith, co-founder and CEO of Holoconnects, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “The launch of a virtual avatar greeter is an exciting new step forward for Holoconnects and the hospitality sector as a whole. We believe it will ultimately elevate and improve the guest experience and overall hotel customer satisfaction.”
Matt Welle, CEO of Mews, also highlighted the potential impact of the front-desk avatar, stating, “At Mews, we are dedicated to building the right solutions that provide remarkable experiences for guests, no matter where they stay. This revolutionary front-desk avatar, in collaboration with Holoconnects, has the potential to transform the hotel reception experience as we know it.”
Holoconnects' technology is not solely confined to the hospitality industry; it also holds promise across various sectors such as healthcare, retail, events, and education. This adaptability illustrates the broader implications of AI and immersive technologies in enhancing customer engagement.
As the sector gears up for new trends in AI automation, the future seems to indicate a shift toward more technologically integrated guest experiences that promise to streamline operations while potentially reducing costs associated with traditional staffing methods. The ongoing evaluation and feedback collection from this initiative will likely serve as a pivotal reference point as hotel operators consider similar technological advancements in the service industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services