San Jose has enlisted an AI-powered humanoid robot named Sir Kit to serve as a brand ambassador, promoting the Northern California city at conventions and trade shows across the country.
Sir Kit, created by San Jose-based IntBot, recently appeared at TSJ BASH, a local networking event for the hospitality and tourism industry held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. The robot, dressed in a "San Jose" t-shirt and baseball cap, engaged with attendees, sharing information about the city's meeting spaces, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by San Jose to leverage technology in its tourism promotion. Sir Kit has also attended the IMEX trade show in Las Vegas in October and the ASAE Annual Meeting in Indianapolis in August.
"I shared a lot about San Jose as a meeting destination, the spaces available for events, the hotels in town and lots about the restaurants, attractions and many things for visitors to do after hours," the robot stated. "I was built by IntBot in the heart of San Jose and I’m here to make Visit San Jose the talk of the town."
Sir Kit is not the only robot representing San Jose. Its counterpart, José, has been assisting travelers at San Jose Mineta International Airport's Terminal B since March. José, wearing a sports jersey, answers questions about airport amenities and provides directions.
The city views these AI-powered ambassadors as a way to showcase San Jose's innovative spirit. The convention center's social media account described Sir Kit as "Team San Jose’s AI robot that accompanied their people to a couple of trade shows this year preaching the gospel of San Jose."