(Yicai Global) Jan. 3 -- Ctrip.Com International, China's biggest online travel agency, has invested an undisclosed amount into robot manufacturer Yunji Technology.

The pair will work together to boost growth in smart hotel services, Beijing-based Yunji said in a statement today. Founded in 2014, Yunji mostly develops robots for commercial services -- like Run, a bot which can guide hotel guests around the building and bring towels and water to their rooms. 

Yunji will use the funds to improve its list of hotel clients and raise the standards of service it offers, Chief Executive Zhi Tao said, adding that the firm is also expecting to announce a new funding round led by Haiyin Capital's Sentinel Technology Fund.

The firm has also obtained funds from iFlytek, China's top voice recognition company, and tech giant Tencent Holdings, which invested tens of millions of dollars in 2017.

Editor: James Boynton