Mandarin Oriental launches humanoid robot

Robots now deliver room service to guests staying at the Shangri-la’s Hotel Jen in Singapoe, they mix cocktails on board the Royal Caribbean, and carry out butler-related tasks at Marriott’s Aloft.

The Mandarin Oriental is also following suit, launching their first humanoid robot Pepper in Las Vegas earlier this month.

Pepper’s official job title is technical ambassador, and he will be based in the lobby tasked with greeting guests, and complementing hotel services through engaging and playful entertainment.

The hotel group says Pepper will be “more than a lobby fixture” and will be “completely integrated into the hotel team, and act as a colleague.”

General manager, Donald Bowman, says: “I am delighted to welcome Pepper to the team. Luxury is all about choice. Pepper will provide our guests with the option to receive hotel assistance and information in an exciting and innovative way. Not only can Pepper handle information requests, but will also serve as a source of entertainment that we hope will provide an enjoyable element of surprise for guests of all ages.”

Created by SoftBank Robotics Europe, Pepper stands at 1.2 metres tall and is able to discern a guest’s gender, approximate age and mood by detecting facial, body and voice cues. It is also able to answer property-specific questions, give directions, tell stories, dance, and even pose for a selfie.