Several tech companies introduced new products at HITEC 2024 in Charlotte. From service robots to software that enables hotels to run more efficiently, here are some of them.
LG debuts AI-powered door-type service robot
LG Business Solutions USA has introduced its next-generation CLOi ServeBot, an autonomous, door-type service robot designed to provide safe delivery services in hospitality and healthcare settings. Featuring a four-door design with interior storage space, the new CLOi ServeBot (model LDLIM31) can perform simple and repetitive delivery tasks to reduce the burden on staff.
“Our newest service robot brings a new level of functionality and flexibility to the hospitality and healthcare channels,” said Mike Kosla, SVP, LG Business Solutions USA. “Featuring advanced platform technologies that include AI, communications and control, the new CLOi ServeBot is going to help our hospitality and healthcare customers streamline their operations. The introduction of a door-type service robot reinforces our commitment to constantly innovate in ways that bring meaningful new benefits to our customers.”
Featuring four internal compartments, each capable of holding items weighing up to 30 kg, the new model is able to make multiple deliveries or collections. Its secure cargo space can accommodate as many as 32 standard-sized, 12-ounce coffee cups, while its shelving can be adjusted according to item size or load size. It also is equipped with a front-facing 10.1-in. display that serves as a mobile advertising platform.
Duetto launches full-service hotel revenue solution
Duetto, which was recently acquired by GrowthCurve Capital, has unveiled its BlockBuster group revenue optimization solution’s next evolution and the integration of its new function space optimization tool, OpenSpace (formerly MiceRate).
BlockBuster enables hoteliers to streamline workflows between revenue, sales and catering teams to deliver a seamless quote for group business at the right rate.
OpenSpace provides algorithm-based pricing for meetings and events, including weddings, incentives and conferences, enabling hotels to dynamically yield all function spaces, including external spaces such as gardens. The solution also includes a booking engine and quotation tool to help event planners quickly find the space they need for their budget and requirements.
“The addition of OpenSpace, combined with our investment in group management, positions us as a one-stop-shop for hoteliers looking to maximize revenue across their entire property,” said David Woolenberg, CEO, Duetto. “Now, our customers can leverage Duetto to optimize pricing, manage inventory and streamline bookings for individual guests, groups and function spaces—all in a single, unified solution. These enhancements will streamline the group booking process, improve internal communication and ensure a more seamless experience for both hoteliers and their customers.”
HCN launches AiMe, an AI concierge
Hotel Communication Network (HCN) has unveiled a new AI-powered, in-room table, AiMe, an AI concierge, that will handle requested guest services, place F&B orders from local restaurants and more via voice commands in multiple languages.
AiMe uses natural language processing to respond to guests’ unstructured requests and creates actionable tasks that can be relayed from the tablet to the hotel’s service system and then to staff.
“Rather than sending a text message blindly through the hotel app, a guest needing clean washcloths can now walk over to the in-room tablet and simply ask AiMe for whatever he or she wants in whatever language they prefer,” said Neil Schubert, chief product officer, HCN. “No more going through the front desk or hotel operator and waiting for the request to be re-entered into the correct system to get to the right department. The data is sent from the tablet to the hotel’s service system and then to the housekeeper or floor supervisor – depending on who is equipped with a mobile device. AiMe can create and close work orders, summon the bell captain, remind guests of important meeting or event times, activate room controls and much more.”
Aptech unveils new enterprise accounting dashboard
Aptech has revealed a new dashboard for its PVNG enterprise accounting solution. Developed at the request of its customers, the tool provides a quick view of the status of a hotel’s financials from the previous night and more. All data is updated in the system in real-time.
“Aptech is known industry-wide for exceptional support and quick response to our customers,” said Jill Wilder, president, Aptech. “Users asked us for fast access to financial and operational data—accounts payable, general ledger, statistical data—all on one screen and without having to execute multiple reports or inquiries to provide a pulse of where they are now and how they are progressing financially. PVNG was the only one of our three products that did not have a dashboard, so we went to work. Wanting to provide the most value, we asked specifically what they would like to be included on the dashboard—and we delivered.”
The PVNG dashboard provides a quick glimpse of bank account balances for each bank account; open invoice balances for top five vendors; overall Accounts Payable Aging (Current/30+/60+/90+ days); and comparative analysis on user-selected KPIs.
Zucchetti North America launches new CRS & booking engine
Zucchetti North America, the North American outpost of the Italian-based Zucchetti Group has launched new reservation management functionality for chains in the Vertical Booking CRS, as well as a new and improved Booking Engine.
The Vertical Booking CRS has added new reservation management functionality for chains, including the ability to manage rate plans; cancellation and payment policies; discounts; and corporate contracts across the entire portfolio of properties in minutes, as well as allowing users to create corporate and group agreements at the group level.
The conversion-focused Booking Engine from Vertical Booking now offers more customization features, new booking conversion tools, an updated look and feel, plus a more responsive and streamlined booking process for guests. For hoteliers who operate a chain of properties, the new multi-property Booking Engine will enable potential guests to search for a room across the entire portfolio of properties and then filter the search results by their favorite amenities.
“In today’s highly competitive marketplace, hoteliers need the best possible operational technology to help support their business goals and the updates to the Vertical Booking CRS and Booking Engine were designed to provide valuable functionality for our clients with multiple properties,“ said Mark Lewis-Brown, CEO/president, Zucchetti North America. “All of the solutions in the Zucchetti North America tech stack (including PMS, CRS, Booking Engine, RMS, POS and more) work together to convert more direct bookings and maximize revenue. With these new features and functionalities, we can now offer even more ROI for our hotel clients across North America.”
Check your inbox on Thursday for more innovations and partnerships introduced at HITEC.
