Wake Up Humans, The Robots Are Coming: Meet Hyundai’s DAL-e AI Customer Service Robot

Hyundai Motor Group has just launched a humanoid customer service robot called “DAL-e”. It’s a highly advanced machine designed to communicate with people using precise recognition capabilities and mobility function.

The name DAL-e is an acronym for “Drive you, Assist you, Link with you-experience.” The robot is equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology for facial recognition, as well as a communication system based on a language-comprehension platform. It was designed to bring about the future of customer service, where things like the Covid-19 pandemic require there less physical contact while going about your everyday tasks.

Measuring 1,160x600x600 mm and weighing 80kg (176 lbs), DAL-e was showcased at a Hyundai showroom in southern Seoul, where the robot performed its maiden operation. Following that operation, it is now expected to be used in various fields that require everyday interactions with customers, such as other showrooms operated under Hyundai Motor Group.

With a small humanoid body giving off a welcoming impression, DAL-e is significantly lighter and more compact than many other customer service and guide robots on the market. It’s equipped with a host of friendly, emotive features for more natural close interactions with customers. In the event that a customer enters the showroom without wearing a mask, the robot will recognize so, and advise the customer to wear one. In terms of its communication capability, DAL-e is able to engage in conversation with customers by providing useful information about products and services, all the while responding to both touch screen and verbal commands.

In terms of mobility, the robot can move freely and escort customers to designated spots thanks to its four omnidirectional wheels. It can also entertain customers in a number of ways, such as such as connecting wirelessly to a large display screen in the venue, asking visitors to take photos with it, and providing gestured feedback using its movable arms.

At the exhibition hall where it debuted, DAL-e was credited with easing the staff’s workflow by offering hands-on help to customers, especially those who do not prefer to be assisted by human staff in light of the pandemic and those who visited the venue during busy times like the weekend.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to continuously update DAL-e based on data from pilot operations to hone its capabilities as time goes on.