Aju Business Daily

SEOUL -- South Korea's Hyundai auto group has deployed an autonomous four-wheeled robot at a showroom in Seoul for a one-month test to see if it can be used for customer services. The robot will guide visitors, evade obstacles and show information about cars on the showroom's large displays.

Hyundai said in a statement on January 25 that the robot named "DAL-e" was introduced as part of a non-face-to-face marketing approach. It can talk using natural language technology, interact with customers' reactions, and ask customers to properly put their masks on.

"DAL-e is a robot platform that is capable of providing customer services regardless of time. It will become a friendly messenger for customers," Hyundai Motor Group's head of robotics lab Hyun Dong-jin was quoted as saying.

DAL-e would be an ideal solution for customers who want thorough information about cars they want to buy, Hyundai said. The carmaker would deploy robot assistants at other showrooms and operate them until 10:00 p.m. to attract commuters and businessmen who return home in late hours.

Autonomous robot assistants are not rare in South Korea webbed with 4G and 5G mobile networks. They are widely used in airports and hotels to guide customers. Some cabinet-type robots use elevators to deliver room services.