Narita to Become First AI-Powered Airport in the World With Launch of Bebot

TOKYO, November 7, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​​Narita International Airport Corporation and Bespoke Inc. announce the launch of AI chatbot service Bebot to assist passengers in obtaining information of airport services, facilities and transport links. The free AI Chat Guide (beta) will be available for free to passengers from November 14, 2017, and will be accessible via any browser without the need for any additional downloads.

Bebot, known as Japan’s first hotel chatbot, is already available as a concierge service in all branches of Granbell Hotel across Japan, at Holiday Inn, and various other locations. As the country seeks to overcome linguistic barriers for the increasing number of visitors, Bebot will now be made available at Japan’s busiest airport, which handled over 39 million passengers in 2016.

We are committed to making travel in Japan as convenient as possible for our passengers, and by providing AI technology we will put access to information in the traveller's fingertips.

Tomohiko Murakami, IT Development and Planning Department at Narita International Airport Corporation

Passengers will simply need to scan a QR code to gain access to Bebot and get the most out of their trip to Narita and Japan via chat. The QR codes will appear on posters and stickers in various locations around Narita Airport. Users will simply need to verify themselves by either sharing their location or entering their flight number to begin chatting.

Services on offer will include assistance in locating airport facilities and services, as well as vital information on transportation options to and from the airport. Bebot will no longer require a code for access, but will instead allow passengers to use its services freely. Its interface can be accessed on any device, including iOS and Android.

Bebot’s AI technology has been developed using both human chat services and AI developed by Bespoke Inc. Users can make requests for recommendations or ask specific questions related to their travel experience by chat, and receive tips, directions and reviews without leaving the chat screen. First released in Aomori in April 2017, it was then launched in Osaka in June, and across Japan with Granbell Hotels in August. Establishments that use it can also customize their own FAQs to make sure guests always have the correct information in their hands.

With the launch of Bebot at Narita Airport, Tokyo’s main international airport, the use of AI technology by regular consumers and travelers is set to significantly expand in Japan.

“We are delighted to partner with Bespoke Inc. to launch Bebot at Narita Airport, starting on (November 7, 2017),” said Tomohiko Murakami from IT Development and Planning Department at Narita International Airport Corporation. “We are committed to making travel in Japan as convenient as possible for our passengers, and by providing AI technology we will put access to information in the traveller’s fingertips.”

“We are proud to be able to extend our services to Narita Airport. As more people from abroad choose to travel to and explore Japan, we want to make discovering this country as easy, convenient and fun as possible, and hope to continue to develop Bebot into your personal concierge in your pocket for all your travel needs,” said Bespoke Inc. CEO Akemi Tsunagawa.

About Bespoke Inc.

Tokyo-based Bespoke Inc. is dedicated to enabling amazing local experiences to hotel guests through data and artificial intelligence. Bespoke Inc. has been hand-selected as one of the five companies into the first phase of the X-Hub, Tokyo’s first program that strives to support Japan’s long-term growth and competitiveness. Current products include Bebot, the AI concierge, and LEVART travel community with users from over 100 countries.

Media Contact:
Maya Takahashi
Email: [email protected]

Source: Bespoke Inc.