Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas has just introduced its latest team member: a humanoid robot named Pepper. Stationed near the concierge of the Sky Lobby on the 23rd floor, the robot will be in charge of greeting guests and complementing hotel services through engaging and playful entertainment.
The hotel’s 1.2-metre tall “Technical Ambassador” acts in natural and intuitive ways, providing personalised communication to each guest by discerning a guest’s gender, approximate age and mood. It’s endearing and surprising with large expressive eyes, lifelike movements and gestures.
Additionally, Pepper will also be well-equipped to answer guests’ property-specific questions or request for directions to get to the best attractions in Las Vegas — so you no longer have to head down to concierge. If that’s not enough, the humanoid robot acts as an entertainer too, as it can dance or tell a story.
Would your run-of-the-mill concierge staff have the time or energy to dance in order to keep you entertained while you wait for check in? We don’t think so. In fact, Pepper is set to become the newest attraction in the Entertainment Capital of the World — attracting guests from all over the world.
“I am delighted to welcome Pepper to the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas 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,” said General Manager, Donald Bowman. “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.”
And while the concept is intriguing, Mandarin Oriental isn’t the first hotel to implement automated service. In 2015, the world’s first robot-run hotel, called Henn-na Hotel, opened in Japan — because, where else would it be? The hotel features a vicious-looking robot dinosaur taking the role of the receptionist, as well as a machine for room service. The move has proven to be successful, as the hotel has since announced plans to open 100 other hotels across Japan and the region.
Locally, Hotel Jen marks the first international hotel brand to use autonomous Relay robots in Asia. Hotel Jen Orchard Gateway and Tanglin welcomed robot duo Jeno and Jena at their respective properties — seeing the bots deliver amenities and local favourites from the in-room dining menu to guests when an order is placed.
It seems like a world dominated by robots may just be possible in the near future.
Dewi Nurjuwita
Senior Writer
Dewi Nurjuwita is a travel and design writer who can be found exploring the streets of foreign cities with passport in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
