Robot-run hotel to open in Japan

This July, a hotel will open in Nagasaki, Japan that takes “high tech” to whole new level. The 72-room Henn-na Hotel will be staffed almost entirely by ten humanoid robots, perfectly capable of greeting guests, carrying luggage, cleaning rooms, and planning their imminent takeover of humankind.

While that last function may be a stretch – at this point – Henn-na Hotel’s robot staff still features a dazzling array of abilities. For instance, Engadget reports that the three droids working the hotel’s check-in counter will be able to establish eye contact and respond to body language. While not quite as advanced, the other bots on staff will still be able to easily handle tasks like making coffee and delivering laundry.

 

The technical name for these robots are “Actroid androids,” and they have been manufactured and continually refined by the company Kokoro since 2003. The latest generation consists mostly of droids with the features and mannerisms of young Japanese women. These advanced models can speak Japanese, Chinese, Korean and English, as well as make hand gestures and reciprocate eye movements, according to the Telegraph.

But even beyond its robot staff, the Henn-na Hotel will utilize some amazing technology. CNN reports that guestroom doors will be accessed by facial-recognition technology. In addition, climate control will be achieved with solar panels and high-tech radiation panels that detect body heat and adjust room temperature accordingly.

All this automation will keep hotel costs surprisingly low. Room prices will start at $60 a night, according to the Washington Post.

“We will make the most efficient hotel in the world,” hotel company President Hideo Sawada told the Japan Times.

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