Hotel Innovation from China and Japan

During two innovation trips to Japan (2024) and China (2025), Fraunhofer IAO experienced these developments firsthand. This workshop offers you exclusive insights into the most exciting discoveries and encourages you to apply the insights gained to your own hotel business.

Are you ready to look beyond Europe’s borders and harness international innovation to benefit your hotel? Then join us in discovering the hotel industry of tomorrow.

Part 1 | Introduction and Keynote Presentation

Get an overview of the most impressive solutions and concepts presented during the innovation trips to Japan and China. Learn about exemplary areas of application—from intelligent service robots to AI-based guest communication and sensor-based systems for comfort and sustainability.

Key questions will be explored:

• How do Asian hotels use AI to improve processes for guests and employees?
• What role do robots play in front- and back-office operations?
• How are sensors and digital interfaces integrated into the user journey?
• To what extent do these innovations contribute to efficiency, sustainability, and a holistic guest experience?
   

Part 2 | Interactive Session and Discussion

Based on selected theses, we will first discuss how the insights gained can be applied to hotel operations and related industries in Europe. What impacts could new solutions have, for example, on hotel buildings, employee profiles, or services? We will then turn our attention to identifying the potential these innovations offer for your hotel, your tourist destination, or your hotel-related business.

Afterward, you and your team will identify specific opportunities for your own hotel, tourist destination, or hospitality-related business. Develop ideas on how international best practices can serve as inspiration for your next innovation initiative.

Part 3 | Lab Visit

Be inspired at the Fraunhofer IAO’s Center for Virtual Engineering (ZVE) and experience future technologies up close. Discover innovative augmented, virtual, and extended reality applications, or explore the work being done at the Neurolab—the laboratory for neuroergonomics. Alternatively, the AI Studios offer insights into the application of artificial intelligence for small and medium-sized enterprises.

• Immerse yourself in the world of applied neuroscience and neuro-adaptive technologies at the Neurolab.
• Gain insights into the application of artificial intelligence for small and medium-sized enterprises in our AI Studios.
• Experience innovative augmented, virtual, and extended reality applications, e.g., in the CAVE.