Japan robot hotel fires most of its 'annoying' robotic staff
Robotic staff at the Henn-na Hotel include a velociraptor receptionist, an automated gardener and a one-armed claw that handles left luggage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A hotel in Japan has laid off more than half of its robotic staff following complaints from some guests about the practical limitations of the machines.
Among the 243 robots employed by the Henn-na Hotel, which roughly translates as "Weird Hotel" were a velociraptor receptionist, an automated gardener and a one-armed claw that handles left luggage.
The facility which made headlines in 2015 when it opened in Nagasaki Prefecture, also made use of more experimental machines, such as bedside table-sized butler capable of arranging a wake up call or announcing the weather forecast.
Glitches with this robot saw it wake up guests who were snoring loudly after mistaking the noise for a voice command, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The Hen-na hotel describes the concept as "excitement meets comfort" thanks to "state-of-the-art" technologies.
"One of the definitions of the Japanese word 'Henn' is 'to change, which represents our commitment for evolution in striving for the extraordinary sensation and comfort that lies beyond the ordinary," the hotel's website states.
"Staying at Henn na Hotel is filled with unexpected and delightful surprises. The unique experience will take our guests one step into the future."
When The Independent visited in 2017, there were no humans to be seen working in the hotel.
The initial success of the hotel led to several other openings of robot hotels, with the founder of the H.I.S. travel agency behind the concept originally saying he planned to launch up to 100 over five years.
“Having robots in charge of the reception and placing robots everywhere, we aim to make it the most efficient hotel in the world,” said HIS. founder Hideo Sawada at the opening of the second robot hotel in Chiba Prefecture.
He added that hotel was "not about being strange, it’s about transforming and evolving."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments