Alibaba’s keyless and cashless hotel is straight out of the future | CNBC Reports

Summary

Alibaba's FlyZoo Hotel in Hangzhou offers a futuristic, fully automated experience, using technologies like facial recognition for check-in, room access, and even vending purchases. The hotel, which eliminates traditional front desks and keycards, aims to innovate hotel operations through smart devices like the Tmall Genie and robot assistants. While it provides an entirely tech-driven experience, human interaction remains important, especially for tasks like food delivery. Partnered with Marriott, Alibaba hopes to introduce its technology to existing hotel chains, while facial recognition technology could soon expand in Marriott properties. The hotel is a glimpse into the future of hospitality.

Takeaways

• 😀 FlyZoo Hotel, located in Hangzhou, is a tech-driven hotel developed by Alibaba to showcase futuristic automation and AI.
• 😀 Guests check in using facial recognition, eliminating traditional check-in counters and concierge services.
• 😀 Facial recognition is used throughout the hotel for access to floors, rooms, and even elevators.
• 😀 The hotel integrates smart technology like the Tmall Genie, which allows guests to control room features and order services.
• 😀 Robot assistants deliver room service and can autonomously call elevators without human intervention.
• 😀 Traditional hotel services, like housekeeping, still rely on keycards, but robots handle most other tasks.
• 😀 The hotel operates as a testing ground for Alibaba's technologies, which can later be sold to other hotel chains.
• 😀 Alibaba partners with major hotel chains like Marriott to explore automation and AI technologies for the hospitality industry.
• 😀 Facial recognition data is stored temporarily and deleted once the guest checks out, ensuring privacy.
• 😀 The hotel also tests AI in its restaurant, where guests can order food through QR codes and use facial recognition for payments.
• 😀 The FlyZoo Hotel represents a shift towards automation in the hospitality industry, with human staff focusing on more time-sensitive tasks.

Q & A

What is unique about the FlyZoo hotel experience?

The FlyZoo hotel is highly automated, using technologies like facial recognition for check-ins, room access, and even elevator rides. Traditional hotel amenities, such as concierge desks and keycards, are replaced by smart systems and robots.

How does the check-in process at the FlyZoo hotel differ from a traditional hotel?

At FlyZoo, check-in is automated through facial recognition or a smartphone app. There is no traditional check-in counter or concierge. Foreign guests receive assistance from staff, while Chinese nationals can check in independently through kiosks or their phones.

What role does facial recognition play at FlyZoo hotel?

Facial recognition is used throughout the hotel for various purposes, including checking in, accessing rooms, and using elevators. It is central to the guest experience, removing the need for physical keys or check-in counters.

How does FlyZoo hotel integrate technology to enhance the guest experience?

FlyZoo integrates technology in multiple ways, including facial recognition for room access, a smart assistant (Tmall Genie) to control room functions like lighting and TV, robot butlers for room service, and a digital vending system that uses QR codes and the AliPay app.

What is the role of robots at the FlyZoo hotel?

Robots at the FlyZoo hotel serve various functions such as delivering items like slippers and water, calling elevators, and even making drinks at the bar. However, some tasks like delivering time-sensitive food items are still handled by human staff.

How does FlyZoo hotel utilize facial recognition in its fitness center?

The FlyZoo hotel’s fitness center uses facial recognition for entry, adding a layer of convenience and security for guests using the facility.

What is Alibaba's intention with FlyZoo hotel’s technology?

Alibaba’s goal with FlyZoo hotel is not to open a chain of its own hotels but to develop and test technology that it can sell to other hotel chains. They partner with companies like Marriott to implement these innovations in existing hotels.

How does FlyZoo’s use of technology compare to traditional hotels?

Traditional hotels still rely on physical check-ins, keycards, and human staff for many services. In contrast, FlyZoo uses technology to automate much of the experience, reducing human interaction while offering more streamlined and efficient services.

What is the role of human staff in FlyZoo hotel?

Despite the heavy use of automation, FlyZoo still employs human staff for specific roles, such as housekeeping, where traditional keycards are still used, and for food services requiring immediate human intervention, like serving hot or time-sensitive dishes.

How is FlyZoo hotel’s facial recognition data handled?

Facial recognition data at FlyZoo is only stored temporarily, remaining accessible only for the duration of a guest’s stay. Once the guest checks out, the data is erased, ensuring privacy and security.