June 28, 2024
Konica Minolta Plans to Introduce an AI Translation Service for Use in Hotels
Konica Minolta is planning to introduce an AI-based translation service for hotels and other lodging facilities by the end of 2024. The service will use large transparent displays to show real-time subtitles of translations and convert complex technical terms into plain language. With the increase in demand from inbound tourists visiting Japan, the company aims to implement the system in 200 facilities nationwide by the fiscal year 2025.
Translators feature large 20-inch displays for easy reading. The system has been implemented in the reception areas of Keio Prairia Hotel Sapporo in Sapporo, Japan, and Core Global Management in Tokyo, which operates resort facilities and hotels.
The system, available in 31 languages, displays the content of conversations between guests and employees with subtitles on a transparent display installed in the reception area in about two seconds. It also features a "reverse translation" function, which displays the translation results in Japanese to ensure accuracy, instilling confidence in the system's reliability.
The initial cost to install the system, including the transparent display, is approximately 350,000 yen, and the monthly fee is 40,000 yen. Konica Minolta is also considering future installations in cabs and other vehicles. The system's use of a stationary display sets it apart from the mobile device offered by PocketTalk, a leading AI translator provider based in Minato-Ku, Tokyo.
According to the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan reached 25.06 million in 2023, which is 80% of the pre-coronavirus level. However, there is a significant shortage of employees who can communicate in foreign languages. In response, lodging facilities are considering implementing translation technology, such as Konica Minolta's AI-based system, to alleviate labor shortages and enhance service quality. This move brings hope for the future of the hospitality industry.
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