TALKING business
‘‘ level as people start enhancing their brains and bodies with embedded devices , arguing that “ cyborg lifestyles is a trend that ' s coming . It ’ s 10 to 20 years in the future but it ' s definitely gaining traction … three thousand people have already had chips implanted in their hands for simple things .”
Edge technology – transforming hospitality
In the hospitality sector , using facial recognition or other biometrics to check in and open bedroom doors is just the start of the next-generation hotel experience at the Edge .
Interaction between the guest ’ s intelligent assistant and the hotel can ensure that the mini-bar is stocked only with what is in their approved diet and digital restaurant menus will automatically update using the same information – for example removing from view any high sugar content dishes . Buffet stations will automatically display a red light over anything that is off limits . In the bedroom , the digital wallpaper can reconfigure to your preferences – whether showing videos of your family or taking you on an underwater journey .
Using activity data about their current stay , historic information about the guest , social media and any information provided by travel partners , each hotel employee will be able to interact with guests fully informed about their needs and current experience .
David Wortley , Digital Technology Strategist , CEO and Founder of 360in360 Immersive Experiences , highlights the potential for personalisation here : “ In the hotel sector , for example , an Edge experience is when a client
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IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR , USING FACIAL RECOGNITION OR OTHER BIOMETRICS TO CHECK IN AND OPEN BEDROOM DOORS IS JUST THE START OF THE NEXT-GENERATION HOTEL EXPERIENCE AT THE EDGE .
walks into a hotel , the building recognises them and is able to tap into a previous relationship that the person has had with the hotel chain or their travel preferences .”
Futurist Bronwyn Williams highlights how personalisation could be taken to the next
Zrinko Badanjak , CIO , Amadria Park , Croatia , talks about different market segments having different needs , differentiating the likely automation of the commodity hotel sector versus the premium sector . “ We ’ re looking at technology that allows us to offer a premium service , where we can incorporate the human element with the premium technology .” In part , the technology solution will allow each guest to receive differentiated service information based on the purpose of their stay in a hotel or resort . “ The more information ( a business guest has ) then they can make the choice quickly between meetings , where as a leisure guest , you don ’ t want to over bombard them with so much information .”
The creation of ‘ elevated guest experiences ’ is the objective for the Edge according to Tomeu Fiol , Global Hotel Technologies Director and IT director EMEA – Meliá Hotels International . The combination of human supported by the Edge is key .
“ Ultimately , we will see the creation of enhanced personal / human experiences and interactions with hotel staff who will work as Experience Agents .”
Edge technologies opens up new possibilities for both providers and travellers . For example , capturing the multi-sensory experience of travellers ( sights , sounds , tastes , smells and touch ) and enabling others to purchase an AR / VR version of that experience .
Fiol also speculates that the Edge could enable “ The creation of additional , new , value-added experiences which could be the focus of revenue generation in the future , challenging the traditional hotel / resort business model of room occupancy being the underpinning revenue generator .”
Such offerings might include the opportunity to take part in immersive AR / VR experiences within a hotel . •
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