Lotte Duty Free has expanded its automated retail strategy by installing AI-powered robot bartenders at Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport, following a similar launch at Singapore’s Changi Airport last year.
The robotic servers, developed in partnership with Doosan Robotics Inc., use facial recognition technology to analyze customers’ expressions and recommend drinks. The service is available to travelers who purchase select premium spirits, including Hennessy and Glenfiddich.
The machines, which operate in four languages including Korean and English, represent the latest push by duty-free retailers to modernize their operations amid rising labor costs and changing consumer preferences. However, industry analysts note that the long-term success of such automation initiatives remains uncertain, given the traditionally high-touch nature of luxury retail.
The South Korean travel retailer first tested the concept at Changi Airport in 2023. While the company hasn’t disclosed specific performance metrics from the Singapore installation, the expansion to Gimpo suggests the initial deployment met internal targets.
The company is among several Asian duty-free operators experimenting with automated solutions to enhance customer experience while managing operational costs in the post-pandemic travel environment.
