Israeli AI Hotel Receptionist to Debut at Expo
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
An Israeli company is set to unveil an AI-powered holographic receptionist system for hotels at the upcoming IsraFood exhibition. The technology allows guests to check in, pay, and receive services through a virtual avatar, aiming to improve efficiency and guest experience. Developers believe the system will significantly reduce hotel operational costs and create new revenue streams, predicting widespread adoption in the coming years.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- An AI-powered holographic receptionist system will debut at the IsraFood exhibition in Tel Aviv.
- The system can handle check-in, passport scanning, payments, and room upgrades via a virtual avatar.
- Developers claim the technology will reduce hotel staff dependency for routine tasks.
- The AI receptionist can generate additional revenue through upselling services and integrating features like ATMs.
- The system is expected to be delivered within two months of an order and adopted rapidly by hotels.
A new Israeli system utilizing artificial intelligence and holography is set to revolutionize hotel check-in experiences. The technology, which will be showcased at the upcoming IsraFood exhibition, features a life-sized holographic avatar that can naturally converse with guests in multiple languages, scan passports, process payments, and even offer room upgrades. This AI-powered receptionist aims to streamline the guest onboarding process, reducing the need for human staff for routine tasks.
The system combines a holographic receptionist with a smart self-service kiosk. Unlike current automated check-in stations that rely on touchscreens, this new solution offers an interactive conversational interface with the virtual character. Developers Neri Yosefsberg and Sharon Birnbaum explained that the avatar can perform all the functions of a human receptionist, providing 24/7 service, reducing queues, and enhancing the guest experience.
Beyond standard check-in procedures, the AI system is designed to generate additional revenue for hotels. It can be equipped with functionalities like a currency exchange or ATM, and can actively promote and sell services such as attraction tickets, restaurant vouchers, and even cigarettes, while verifying the age of purchasers. The system can also upsell room upgrades or offer discounted meals based on real-time data from the hotel's core systems, such as booking and reservation platforms.
Yosefsberg and Birnbaum estimate that the system can be delivered within two months of an order. They anticipate rapid adoption by hotels once they recognize the value in improved customer experience and operational cost reduction. While acknowledging a psychological adjustment for both staff and guests, they believe that as such systems become more common, they will be readily accepted. They also noted the possibility of a central control room for a hotel chain, allowing guests to connect with a human representative if needed.