Singapore fetches smart tourism through China's AI robot dogs

Addison Goh, divisional director of the Business and Experience Development Division at Sentosa Development Corporation, says that there are currently five robot dogs operating in Sentosa.

"They are probably busier than I am," he says, adding that every day, the robot dogs conduct guided tours, perform multiple dance shows, and patrol the grounds to interact with visitors.

More importantly, the robot dogs are powered by AI models.

Visitors can not only ask them for directions, but also receive personalized recommendations. Families may be guided to family-friendly restaurants, while younger visitors are offered suggestions for photography attractions and social media-worthy spots. The robot dogs also provide location-based storytelling and explanations, creating a more immersive experience for tourists.

So far, more than 5,000 visitors have interacted with the robot dogs. Whether it's the performances or the guided tours, the feedback has been extremely positive, Goh says.

Another important goal of the pilot project, he explains, is to continuously collect interaction data from the robot dogs, including in high-traffic areas, about visitor preferences, and frequently asked questions. The data will then be used to further optimize large language models and improve the overall tourism experience.

The Singapore Tourism Board describes the pilot project as "an exciting step toward reimagining visitor experiences through technology and innovation".

In recent years, Singapore has been actively promoting its "Smart Nation" initiative, and the tourism sector has become a major testing ground for AI applications.

Unlike traditional smart tourism solutions that focus mainly on online bookings, digital payments or backend data management, these AI robot dogs emphasize the interactive experience of AI in real-world settings.

AI is no longer just an invisible algorithm operating behind the scenes. Instead, it has directly entered tourism environments to perform tasks including guiding visitors, interacting with guests, recommending routes, and staging performances — becoming a kind of "travel companion".

From China to Singapore, these robot dogs are bringing the warmth of technology to visitors from around the world. Rather than just cold machines or lines of code, they are gradually becoming companions that tourists can touch, communicate with, and even share part of their journeys with.