#China #Sands China #Macau #Amap #Tutu Robots

Amap and Sands China Unveil Tutu Robots

On October 10, 2026, Amap, an arm of Alibaba Group focused on location-based services, partnered with Sands China to introduce Tutu robots at a ceremony held at the NBA House in The Venetian, Macau. This moment marks a significant leap in the integration of technology into the tourism experience as Tutu is set to serve as the first robotic guide for visitors at Sands Resorts Macau.

The Role of Tutu Robots

The Tutu robot dogs are not just any robots; they are equipped with advanced navigation capabilities to assist guests throughout the resort. Their roles will include guiding visitors to various facilities, providing information about local attractions, and enhancing the overall experience of resort-goers. Amap will also leverage its expertise to create detailed indoor maps of the resorts, allowing guests to preview locations within the Amap app before their arrival. This technology serves not only to enhance visitor convenience but also to enrich the operational functionality of resort services.

A Glimpse into the Launch Event

During the unveiling, Tutu impressively navigated independently through the event space, avoiding obstacles en route to the stage. Dr. DeVonne Iao, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Resort Marketing at Sands China, ceremonially awarded Tutu a staff badge, marking its official role within the company. Tutu playfully engaged with guests, responding to commands such as a handshake and performing simple tasks like sitting upon request. 'It is an honor to become Sands China's Robotic Guide No. 001. I look forward to providing more services in the future,' Tutu announced, embodying the spirit of hospitality expected within the resorts.

Real-Time Interactions and Service Capabilities

At NBA House, Tutu’s engagement with visitors was remarkable. From recommending dining options to guiding families to amenities, the robot logged an impressive 214 navigational requests during a bustling 11-hour work shift. In total, it answered over 4,546 inquiries in both English and Chinese, adeptly switching contexts based on visitor questions. In a testament to its navigation skills, Tutu was able to traverse more than 40 kilometers, equivalent to 456 laps around a basketball court, all while maintaining its operational efficiency amidst crowd dynamics.

Looking Ahead: Long-Term Service with Tutu

The debut of Tutu robots at NBA House is just the beginning. Both Amap and Sands China recognize that as they expand Tutu's role to encompass greater responsibilities across the resort's various facilities, the challenges will evolve. Longer work hours, an increase in specific visitor requests, and more complex coordination with existing staff operations are all elements that need to be addressed. 'Today is more than Tutu's first day on the job — it's the beginning of a long-term service venture,' stated Zhou Haijing, Chief Financial Officer of Amap.

The focus will be on combining the operational expertise of Sands China with the innovative technology from Amap to ensure that Tutu and its robot companions become integral components of the overall visitor experience.

Conclusion

As Tutu takes on its new role at Sands Resorts Macau, the collaboration between Amap and Sands China sets the stage for a perfect marriage of hospitality and cutting-edge technology. With ongoing innovation and continuous improvements, Tutu robots are poised to redefine guest interactions and lead the charge in the next generation of tourist experiences.