“APAEM Seminar Series: iRobot: The Evolving Role of AI and Humanoid Robots in Hospitality” was successfully held

On January 23^rd, 2024, the “APAEM Seminar Series: iRobot: The Evolving Role of AI and Humanoid Robots in Hospitality” was successfully held. The seminar was hosted by the Asia-Pacific Academy of Economics and Management (APAEM) and co-hosted by the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) of the University of Macau (UM). It was honored to have Prof. Lina Zhong, the Executive Dean of the China Institute for Big Data Research in Culture and Tourism, Beijing International Studies University, as the guest speaker and the seminar was moderated by Prof. Rob Law, Deputy Director of APAEM.

Prof. Zhong retrospectively analyzed the research progress, the research methodologies predominantly employed, theoretical models, and hypothesis variables designed in the field of robot technology in hospitality. She also shared the thought process and methodologies used in writing research articles on robotics. Finally, Prof. Zhong explored the current research directions in this research field, including “robot research in cross-culture context”, and analyzed future research trends, such as human-centered robot experiences and the influence of robotics on “the tourist”.

The seminar attracted nearly 80 online and onsite participants, including researchers, industry practitioners and students from various fields and disciplines, both from within and outside the university, who actively engaged in a lively discussion on the advancements and trends in research on robotics in hospitality.

In addition, Prof. Zhong was also invited to APAEM as a visiting scholar, where she spent several days interacting with UM faculty members and postgraduate students. She also gave a guest lecture at a MSc class which she shared her research findings and experiences with  students from the FBA of UM. The master students expressed that Prof. Zhong’s sharing had been a profound inspiration for them.