XMAN-R1 deployed at the new meetings hotel in Shanghai. Photo Credit: Keenon Robotics
When Shangri-La Group unveiled a dual-branded property at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, it also marked the global debut of the revamped Traders brand – and a crew of humanoid robots.
World-first robot service crew
With the fresh Traders brand defined by smart technology with modern hospitality, it is fitting that the new property is positioning itself as the world's first hotel powered by a collaborative service model that combines general-purpose and specialised robots.
At the new hotel, humanoid service robot XMAN-R1 is deployed to the front desk, supported by special-purpose robots for room deliveries, luggage transport, cleaning, and even restaurant food deliveries.
Created by Shanghai-based Keenon Robotics, XMAN-R1 is the world’s first Vision-Language-Action model for the service industry.
The robot interacts with guests through natural language and human-like gestures, and is capable of greeting guests, answering questions and delivering welcome gifts.
A MICE boost to Hongqiao cluster
Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport has 91 rooms, while the adjacent Traders Hotel Hongqiao Airport offers 520 rooms and suites.
Located next to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport’s Terminal 2 and near the National Exhibition and Convention Center, the property is well positioned to service MICE visitors.
The property adds nearly 3,000 sqm of event spaces to the transportation cluster. A highlight is the 1,000-sqm Shangri-La Ballroom for 600 banquet guests or 960 guests in theatre set-up, with the flexibility of being divided into 3 separate ballrooms.
The Traders Ballroom is nearly 545 sqm in size, with capacity for up to 280 guests in banquet setting, or 490 guests theatre style.
The property also features a range of function rooms.