Hilton and IBM pilot first Watson-enabled robot Concierge

YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. One of the hotel industry's most innovative companies, Hilton Worldwide is at it again, partnering with IBM to develop the world's first Watson-enabled robot concierge, “Armenpress” reports citing TravelPulse website.

Named after the company's founder Conrad Hilton, "Connie" was developed specifically for the hospitality market.

By accessing domain knowledge from Watson and WayBlazer, Connie will be able to assist guests like a human would, informing them on the hotel where they're staying as well assurrounding attractions, for example.

What's more, Connie actually improves with every interaction.

"Watson helps Connie understand and respond naturally to the needs and interests of Hilton's guests — which is an experience that's particularly powerful in a hospitality setting, where it can lead to deeper guest engagement," Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of IBM Watson Rob High said in a statement.

Resembling a toy action figure, Connie is currently being piloted at the Hilton McLean near the company's Virginia headquarters, where its working alongside human Hilton team members.

While a recent survey conducted by Travelzoo shows thata majority of travelers around the worldare ready and excited to interact with robots while traveling, guests will have to stay patient.

Hilton said that pilot testing typically takes anywhere from three to six months, during which ideas are tweaked based on feedback from guests and the hotel operator.And when the pilot period comes to an end, the company said it will "weigh its value against its performance goals."