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| Hotel workers Marriott Hotel & Residence in the southeastern city of Daegu operate a KT AI-powered robot in this photo. / Courtesy of KT |
By Kim Bo-eun
KT has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) as it is on track to transform into a digital platform-oriented entity. With the AI technology the firm has developed thus far, KT is scaling up its presence in the hotel industry.
The telecom company said Thursday it has partnered with Marriott hotels in the southeastern city of Daegu to offer AI-based services.
Currently, KT offers AI-based hotel services for 7,200 rooms at 35 hotels and it is aiming to expand to serve more clients not only locally, but globally. Its services are also available at Accor and Hyatt hotels.
"Given there are 1,883 registered hotels here with 154,000 rooms as well as the global market, we expect for the hotel AI solutions market developed by KT to see high rates of growth," a KT official said.
At the hotels using KT's AI, guests are able to control lights and electronic equipment, play music and enjoy concierge services with Giga Genie ― KT's voice command-based AI assistant.
Guests at hotels with KT's services will also be able to see its AI hotel robot. The robot, introduced in December 2019, applies self-driving and space-mapping technology. The robot brings items requested by guests such as towels and water bottles.
KT also launched "AI Stay" services for Mariott's long-term residence accommodation. This enables guests to access concierge services via the TV in their room. Giga Genie and IPTV Olleh services are also available. Giga Genie offers weather services, as well as home exercise programs and games.
In addition, KT offers an AI-based parking service, which manages the entry and exit of vehicles, as well as providing parking data. KT said its AI-based services benefit hotels, which are increasingly seeking to attract guests amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"KT's hotel AI solutions will be able to further elevate the class of top-notch hotels, amid greater preferences for contact-free services at hotels due to COVID-19," said Song Jae-ho, head of KT's AI and digital transformation business.
