IoT tested for hotel rooms in Japan

A hotel in Osaka, Japan is testing IoT technology (Internet of Things) in their guest rooms. Motion Capture – technology reacts to hand and arm gestures and distance trough sensors. The technology can be used to control the television, lights, curtains etc.

The target group of the technology is especially foreign visitors, before and during the Olympic Games in 2020. According to the technology provider, the Motion Capture -technology will first be used in hotels, thus allow both foreign and domestic hotel customers to enjoy the unique technology. Another purpose is to break language barriers between foreign visitors and hotel personnel, thus usage is explained in many languages in the hotel rooms.

The technology is currently tested and will possibly be offered more widely in the near future. It is unclear how large the demand for such technology will be in hotel business but the technology provider sees the market as very interesting. In 2011, similar IoT technology was provided by Panasonic to control the television, however it was withdrawn from the market due to low demand.

The service is likely to gather interest among foreign visitors and anyone interested to try new IoT technologies. Different to many other IoT services, no words are needed, thus problems making the technology understand different ways of pronouncing, can be avoided. The technology might also be useful in the future for persons with special needs. Interesting IoT solutions might be a niche for hotels looking for uniqueness and visitors might stay just to try out the new technology.