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AUGMENTED REALITY 

Augmented Reality (AR) offers experiences of augmented world superimposed on real-life where users can engage, explore, and enjoy virtual objects and information around them (Google, 2017). 

With the increased competition and young tech-savvy target markets, hospitality and tourism industry are expected to offer valuable experiences and customized information during their travel and stay. 

AR can be used in the following areas: 

  • Training 
  • Tourism 
  • Theme parks 
  • Personalized sales 
  • Location-based experiences 

Students in the HIT Lab are testing the most advanced AR device in the world, Meta, to test and experiment AR applications in the hos pitality and tourism industry. 

INTERNET OF SOUND (IoS) 

Internet of Sound (IoS) refers to the use and transmission of data-over-sound. Using advanced, near-ultrasonic, ultra-low power data transmission technology, IoS can offer fast, reliable, and secure communication between devices via any speaker and/or microphone (LISNR, 2018). 

One of the most important amenity for guests in the lodging industry is internet and one of the major challenges lodging industry faces are due to internet. Imagine, if the use of internet is replaced with IoS, businesses and guests can use devices and transmit data in an AirPlane mode. 

IoS can be used in the following areas: 

  • Hospitality venues 
  • Hotel Front desk 
  • Guestroom experiences 
  • Location-based experiences 
  • Theme parks 

Students in the HIT Lab collaborated with LISNR, data-over-audio leader, to create eco-system in the hospitality industry. 

INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT) 

Internet of Things (IoT) refers to technology and computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data and information via the internet. 

IoT applications are everywhere, from smart devices, smart homes and smart cities, to smart businesses and environments. To offer “home away from home” experiences, the hospitality and tourism industry should include IoTs to enhance customer experiences, engagement, and perceived value. 

IoTs can be used in the following areas: 

  • Restaurants 
  • Hotels 
  • Guestroom experiences 
  • Tourist landmarks 
  • Location-based experiences 

Students in the HIT Lab are collaborating with Fresh Technology & ToGo Technologies to use various IoT devices enabled with voice recognition and machine learning in the restaurant and hospitality industry. 

ROBOTS 

We live in a creative-experiential economy, robots in the hospitality industry are being implemented to enhance overall guest experience. 

Hospitality industry is so labor-intensive, automation and engagement by robots can lead to greater personalization. 

Robots can be used in the following areas: 

  • Front desk 
  • Concierge 
  • Housekeeping 
  • Room service 
  • Personal room assistant 

Students in the HIT Lab are using Lynx Robot, powered by Amazon Alexa to experiment whether Lynx can offer more than a personal assistant to hotel guests. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, Lynx will be tested to offer unique and innovative applications in the hotel industry. 

VIRTUAL REALITY 

Virtual Reality (VR) offers virtual experiences of the real-world that may influence real-life experiences and future intentions of the consumers. 

If virtual experiences trigger real-life emotions, then it is important for the hospitality and tourism industry to capture young and tech-savvy consumers by offering VR experiences. 

VR can be used in the following areas: 

  • Location-based experiences 
  • Personalized sales 
  • Theme parks/Attractions 
  • Tourism 
  • Training 

Students in the HIT Lab are testing the most advanced VR technology and device, Oculus Rift, to test and experiment VR applications in the hospitality and tourism industry. Students used 360-degree cameras to capture Morgantown attractions and created VR videos to showcase their travel experiences.