Hyundai Motor Group has created the ‘Sales Service Robot’ that can explain car details to customers. It is equipped a with natural language conversation system, artificial intelligence, and a mobility function, providing the ability to consult with customers about vehicle models in showrooms. It is currently in the design and development stage, and a prototype is expected to be available early next year.
They have also created the ‘Hotel Service Robot’ can, among other functions, take care of room service and guide guests around a hotel. The robots will be tested at the end of the year at South Korea’s Haevichi hotel and resort, and the Rolling Hills hotel.
In other robotics news, the Hyundai Chairless Exoskeleton was demonstrated at the Hyundai-Kia North American factory last August and the company plans to verify H-VEX’s success through extensive testing at the end of 2018. The H-CEX is a knee-joint protective device that helps maintain a worker’s sitting position. Weighing in at 1.6kg it is light yet highly durable, and can withstand weights of up to 150kg.
“The field of robotics has the potential to usher in a new era in our industry. We are excited about current developments, and very optimistic for the use of this technology to improve lives around the globe,” said Dr. Youngcho Chi, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Technology Division and Chief Innovation Officer of Hyundai Motor Group.
Or maybe you would prefer to place your next new car order online and only visit a dealership to make the final arrangements? For the first time on a MINI product, customers will be able to order their Kensington Edition online. Customers can specify the preferred variant and place an initial deposit online. This information is then provided to the client’s preferred dealership to facilitate the sales process.
The limited-release MINI Kensington Edition is available on Cooper and Cooper S Hatches, the Kensington Edition is finished in a dazzling Pure Burgundy metallic hue that’s being offered for the first time on the MINI Hatch range.
“We like to showcase what’s unique about the brand, and continue telling the story of exclusivity and personalisation while retaining that MINI sense of fun. With Kensington we have taken this a step further by offering customers the ability to secure their allocation online. With only 60 units coming, the race is on,” said MINI Australia General Manager, Brett Waudby.
Further standard specification highlights include seven-speed double-clutch transmission (Cooper models) and seven-speed sports double-clutch transmission (Cooper S models). Plus the Driver Assist Package, featuring City Collision Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, High-Beam Assistant and Speed Sign Recognition.
On the inside there is cloth and leather combination upholstery in Diamond Carbon Black (Cooper) or MINI Yours Lounge Leather upholstery in Carbon Black and heated front seats on the Cooper S.
Considering that some women find going to a car dealership to be an unpleasant experience these are two ideas that may work for them. I think having a robot serve you would be weird, but at least they shouldn’t have any unconscious bias about what sort of car you are looking for.
Photographs by Hyundai Motor Group and BMW AG.