OrionStar launches three 5G service robots featuring Qualcomm tech

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At the recent MWC event in Shanghai, robotics company OrionStar showcased three new 5G robots which will be targeted at retail, delivery and reception scenarios.

OrionStar Restaurant Service Robot.
(Image credit: OrionStar.)

 At the most recent Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Shanghai, OrionStar, a company specialising in robotics tech, launched three service robots that include Qualcomm technology, enabling 5G connectivity and enhanced AI processing capabilities. 

The primary 5G use cases for connected robots are coming out of China, which is already moving ahead of other nations in its 5G development, and as early as March 2020 the Guangzhou Gosuncn Robot Company deployed 5G robots in airports and shopping malls in cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xi’an and Guiyang. These robots were used to perform remote temperature checks, using infrared thermometers, which were capable of scanning the temperature of 10 people simultaneously, within a radius of 5 meters.

With the announcement of its new service robots, though, OrionStar is moving beyond public health use, and is looking to target retail, delivery and reception scenarios. These are areas which are particularly relevant in the wake of coronavirus, as the world looks towards solutions that reduce human contact.

"OrionStar’s robot products embedded with Qualcomm Technologies’ solutions exemplify how both 5G and AI can provide immersive experiences for customers."

Dev Singh, Qualcomm Technologies.

“OrionStar’s robot products embedded with Qualcomm Technologies’ solutions exemplify how both 5G and AI can provide immersive experiences for customers through robotics, while also enabling smarter efficiencies for multiple verticals and industries,” said Dev Singh, senior director, business development, and general manager of robotics, drones and intelligent machines at Qualcomm Technologies. 

“Qualcomm Technologies’ robotics platforms and solutions are leading the way in the creation and enablement of powerful, secure, and intelligent robots, reshaping the way the world thinks about, utilizes and interacts with robotics technologies.”

Three 5G robots for the service sector

OrionStar has developed three robot product lines that perform what the company calls “laborious and repetitive tasks”, whilst delivering an engaging experience for customers through contactless services. These models are the 5G Robotic Coffee Master, the Restaurant Service Robot, and the 5G HomeBot.

Powered by AI tech, OrionStar’s 5G Robotic Coffee Master served up beverages to attendees visiting Qualcomm Technologies’ booth at MWC Shanghai 2021. Based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System, this 5G bot can make 1,000 cups of coffee every day, which, the company says, is three times faster than a human barista can muster.

OrionStar 5G service robot.

(Image credit: OrionStar.)

Elsewhere, the OrionStar Restaurant Service Robot roamed the convention floor, delivering beverages to guests. The Restaurant Service Robot has been designed for the service industry, and it can serve up to 600 trays per day, achieving 99.99% accuracy. Lastly, the 5G HomeBot was on display at the ‘5G mmWave’ booth, where it used Qualcomm’s Robotics Platform to answer questions from guests, conduct live Q&As, and provide personalized tours.

As of March 2021, OrionStar and its investor company Cheetah Mobile have deployed more than 16,800 AI-driven service robots, serving over 200 million people, and completing more than eight million daily voice interactions.

Dan Oliver
Dan Oliver

Dan is a British journalist with 20 years of experience in the design and tech sectors, producing content for the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, Dell and The Sunday Times. In 2012 he helped launch the world's number one design blog, Creative Bloq. Dan is now editor-in-chief at 5Gradar, where he oversees news, insight and reviews, providing an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the key issues facing 5G.