Hyundai has launched an advanced robot called “DAL-e” to meet and greet customers.
It is able to independently communicate with people using precise recognition capabilities and mobility functions.
DAL-e takes its name from the acronym for “Drive you, Assist you, Link with you-experience.”
Hyundai says the robot is designed to pioneer the future of automated customer services.
It is equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) technology for facial recognition as well as an automatic communication system based on a language-comprehension platform.
“The DAL-e is a next-generation service platform that can offer automated customer services anytime,” Vice President and Head of the Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor Group, Dong Jin Hyun, said.
“It is expected to become a messenger capable of delivering consistent messages to customers in a more intimate and personal way than conventional robots.
“With continuous updates and improvements, the DAL-e will provide fresh, pleasant experiences to our valued customers in a contact-free environment. Our objective is to enable the DAL-e to engage in a smooth and entertaining communication with customers and present valuable services to them.”
DAL-e is being trialled at a Hyundai showroom in the south of Seoul.
From there it is expected to be used in various fields that require everyday interaction with customers, such as other Kia and Hyundai showrooms.
With a truncated, humanoid body, measuring 1160 x 600 x 600mm and weighing 80kg, DAL-e is significantly lighter and more compact than other customer service and guide robots on the market.
It’s equipped with friendly, human-like emotive physical features for close interactions with customers.
For instance, if a customer enters the showroom without a face mask, the robot recognises and advises them to put on one.
It can engage in an automated and smooth dialogue, providing useful info on products and services, as well as being able to respond to verbal and touchscreen commands.
With omni-directional four wheels, DAL-e can move freely and escort customers to designated spots.
It can also supply entertaining information, such as explaining vehicles and technologies by connecting wirelessly to a large display screen at the venue.
It can even beckon visitors to take photos with it, and gesture using its movable arms.
At the exhibition hall where the pilot is taking place, DAL-e is credited with easing the staff’s workflow and offering hands-on help to customers.
This includes those who do not prefer to be assisted by human staff because of COVID, as well as those who visit the venue during busy peak times such as the weekend.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to continuously update DAL-e based on data from pilot, perfecting its operational capabilities as an advanced android robot.
CHECKOUT: Hyundai gets into the robotics business
CHECKOUT: Ford experiments with robot dogs