Henn Na’s decision to use robots in its portfolio “is made on a case-by-case basis depending upon location and market conditions,” According to Mami Matsumoto, spokeswoman.
Henn Na’s robots are able to improve efficiency in general by reducing labor costs. The droids are also ready to take on open positions, given Japan’s labor shortage and falling birthrate. Once they become familiar with their strengths, and weaknesses can be found to be convenient.
A decade after Henn na, which opened its first hotel back in 2015 has settled on a staffing model that combines humans with humanoids. At 14 of the hotels, Henn a operates around 150 robots as check-in agents or in guest rooms.
In the early days of the hotel, Churi was the personal assistant in each room. Now, Sharp’s compact robots, called RoBoHoN (humanoid humanoids), serve as concierges. They can control the lighting, air-conditioning, and answer guests’ questions. “What time is check-out?”They can also perform more than 70 dances, including hula, flamenco and ballet. The dancers can perform over 70 different dance styles, such as hula and flamenco. They also have mastered ballet, traditional Japanese dancing, and the Japanese kata.
Henn na Hotel Robots are very lifelike.Photograph: Timothée Lambrecq
Henn na Hotel’s robots are dressed in white uniforms with blue silk scarves and white hats that perfectly match their black bobs.Photograph: Timothée Lambrecq
The hotel chain is looking at deploying robots in locations that can reduce labor costs, improve efficiency and still satisfy customers.
Henn-na has seen fewer employees at its locations. The number of staff in some Henn-na stores is down from 40 to about eight. Robots working 24/7 is a huge benefit for businesses and especially the hospitality industry. According to Stockton University’s 2023 report titled “An Examination of Henn Na Hotel.”
Noel Criscione Naylor, an associate professor of hospitality at Stockton University and one the authors of this report, wrote in an email that Henn Na has been often used as a study on how consumers respond to robot integration. Although research is limited she says. “it’s reasonable to assume that the more novel or unique the robot appears, the more likely it may provide a sense of perceived value or entertainment to the guest.”
The authors of the report note that anthropomorphic robotic robots can look human-like. “guests tend to expect them to possess total human abilities, and with the current technology, robots have a hard time engaging with humans, which can create a negative customer experience.” You shouldn’t be expecting a turndown service anytime soon from a tattoo.
