As a leader in the technological industry, Japan boasts an extensive list of technological accomplishments – from the world’s first CD player to popular video gaming systems, such as Nintendo and Playstation. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the country has also revamped the hotel business, replacing standard work employees with high-tech, “multilingual gynoids” – that’s right, robots.
If you’re planning to travel to Japan anytime soon, make sure to pay a visit to Nagasaki’s Henn-na (meaning strange or change) Hotel, located within The Netherlands inspired theme park, Huis Ten Bosch. The two-story structure, which features 72 rooms, will open its doors in July to depute its 10 “actroid” robots – three of which are multilingual, and all of which are manufactured by the company, Kokoro.
However, in order to book a stay, customers must bid for a room during peak periods. Fortunately, the bids are capped to ensure that rates are still affordable. Single occupancy rooms, for example, begin at only $60 per night, while a triple room costs $153. 72 more rooms will also be built in 2016, when the hotel’s second phase of construction is complete.
Until then, customers can look forward to efficient service as soon as they arrive. The robotic receptionists, who can establish eye contact and respond to body language, will see to it that you can check in as quickly as possible. Upon receiving your assigned room, an industrial robot will then take care of your luggage, while others cater to your various needs, such as cleaning your room and making your beverages.
But if that’s not impressive enough, the hotel also boasts several more advanced features, such as a facial recognition system that will function as a lock to open rooms and a body heat sensor that will auto-adjust room temperatures. In addition, Henn-na plans to implement energy-saving methods, such as solar power, in order to keep room rates as affordable as possible.
At the moment, the hotel will open with 10 real-life human employees, although its developers are already looking to the future. If successful, you may soon see the same type of establishments opening worldwide, with machines running at least 90% of the hotel’s operations.
