Mobile telecommunications operator, Smart Axiata Co., Ltd. took another innovative step by introducing robotic technology to optimize efficiency in its Smart Shops.

In its efforts to serve customers better, the company introduced ‘Oun Smart’, a robot which serves as a shop assistant at its outlets, where it welcomes customers and assist them with basic enquiries.

So far three English speaking robots have been deployed at Smart outlets in Monivong, Exchange Square and Street Nehru. The company is working on Khmer speaking robots as well.

According to Smart, it is the first social humanoid robot to be used in this capacity in Cambodia, primarily to assist customers with product information through voice interaction.

“As the leader in Cambodia’s fast-evolving technology scene, we are excited to provide our customers with this unique experience, which we hope will entertain as well as inspire people to fall in love with technology and innovation like we have at Smart."

“Facial recognition technology allows Oun Smart to greet people by name, and you will see in future how the robot will become even more interactive as we develop its capabilities,” said Smart Axiata’s CEO Thomas Hundt after introducing the robots on May 6.

The robot, designed and manufactured by SoftBank Robotics while the Cloud AI is powered by Cloud Mindsand, has been optimised for engaging with people through conversation.

This model is an assistant capable of recognising faces and basic human emotions to welcome, inform and entertain people in an innovative way, said the company.

Smart’s chief marketing officer, Stjepan Udovicic added that “we are proud to have a dedicated team here who will help develop Oun Smart. Today you have seen the potential of how digital interactions can be further enhanced and be super fun! I can’t wait to start getting Oun Smart more acclimatised to its surroundings and hopefully soon to speak Khmer.”

Smart is actively capitalising on digital technologies. Earlier this month, the company’s Smart Axiata Digital Innovation Fund (SADIF) announced its latest investments in SALA, a Cambodian-based school management solution and GoGames, a mobile gaming platform operating in Cambodia.

These additional investments have expanded SADIF’s investee portfolio to eight, including other promising digital businesses: Morakot Technology, Joonaak Delivery, Nham24, Agribuddy, Sousdey and Okra Solar.

“These investments highlight how digital technology can innovate the way we learn and play. SALA empowers schools and educational institutions to improve efficiency and manage student data

“Whereas GoGames’ mobile gaming platform allows avid and casual gamers to enjoy hundreds of games with one easy subscription on their devices,” said Bora Kem, partner of Mekong Strategic Partners, the investment firm managing SADIF.

SALA is a school management platform designed for K-12 and universities with features, such as student management, human resources and billing, payment and school administration.

SALA’s system allows school administrators to better interact and manage their curriculum, teachers, students and parents.

Current developed features include student attendance as well as grading, timetables, basic reporting and facility management.

GoGames is a subscription-based platform of over 400 mobile games for Android smartphones which was launched in 2017. The company focuses on emerging markets and is dubbed as the ‘Netflix of Games’ for its business model, ease and variety.

GoGames allows users to have access to top-rated games free of advertising or in-app purchases at a market competitive subscription fee.