(Yicai Global) Sept. 22 -- Baidu has launched a new generation of delivery robots under its artificial intelligence operating system brand Xiaodu Technology, that caters specifically to the hotel industry which has a growing need for automation and smart solutions amid the pandemic, the Chinese internet giant said yesterday.

Built by Baidu Brain, one of the world’s largest AI open platforms, and Xiaodu, the robots are capable of total contactless delivery, according to the press release. Equipped with Beijing-based Baidu's latest motion platform and other AI technologies, they can achieve precise positioning and intelligent navigation through the dual function of lasers and vision.

Smart hotels are an important part of Xiaodu's Internet of Things business ecology, and the Baidu division has the most partner hotels in the industry.

Xiaodu teamed up with hotel management firm Huazhu Group in 2019, and as of last month, there were 450,000 hotel rooms equipped with Xiaodu’s intelligent voice assistant in 20,000 hotels across 400 cities that have served over 160 million guests, the press release said.

Editor: Kim Taylor