Pudu Robotics has unveiled KettyBot Pro, the latest version of its delivery and reception robot, to meet the needs of restaurant and retail customers.

KettyBot Pro features immersive engagement, personalised advertising and smart tray inspection.

Since its initial launch in 2021, KettyBot has been deployed by global brands such as KFC, MediaMarkt, Pizza Hut and Walmart to enhance customer service and generating additional revenue streams.

The robot is designed to deliver orders, market products and welcome guests.

The KettyBot Pro's upgraded RGBD depth camera [a camera providing both depth and colour] offers improved navigation. It can now pass through tight spaces as its minimum clearance has been reduced from 55cm to 52cm under ideal conditions.

This feature is particularly beneficial for busy dining areas and retail stores where space is at a premium.

Pudu Robotics founder and CEO Felix Zhang said: “We hear from various businesses that it's hard to maintain adequate service levels due to staff being overwhelmed and stretched thin.

“Robots like KettyBot Pro lend a helping hand by collaborating with human staff, improving their lives by taking care of monotonous tasks so that they can focus on more value-added services like enhancing customer experience. And people love that you can talk to it.”

Smart Trays Inspection is a new feature in which a fisheye camera is used to detect the presence or absence of items on a tray.

This allows the robot to autonomously proceed to the next task once a customer has collected their meal.

Customisation is at the heart of KettyBot Pro's design, with the integration of the PUDU Open Platform enabling users to personalise the robot's expressions, voice and content.

The robot's mobile advertising display, managed through the PUDU merchant management platform, allows businesses to edit personalised advertisements and marketing videos.

The KettyBot Pro's 18.5-inch screen offers new avenues for promoting menu updates and product marketing.