Singapore joins China and France in pioneering smart tourism as AI robot dogs mesmerize visitors with dancing, guiding, and interactive intelligence

Image generated with Ai

Singapore is stepping into the future of tourism by introducing AI-powered robot dogs that blend entertainment, guidance, and interactive intelligence. In collaboration with China’s Unitree Robotics and travel platform Mafengwo, the city-state is captivating international visitors, including tourists from France, with a unique smart tourism experience. At Sentosa and Mandai Wildlife Reserve, these high-tech companions perform choreographed dances, answer questions, and interact with guests in multiple languages, creating a seamless fusion of technology and leisure that redefines what it means to explore a destination.

SINGAPORE — As evening descends over the resort island of Sentosa, a curious crowd gathers at Sensoryscape, their attention drawn not by the traditional sunset or beach activities, but by a troupe of five AI-powered robotic dogs moving in perfect sync. With a gentle sea breeze rustling through the palms and melodic tunes filling the air, the machines leap, twirl, spin, and roll across the open plaza, captivating both children and adults alike.

Once the performance concludes, the robots shift from entertainers to interactive companions, engaging with visitors through playful gestures and responsive “conversations.” Children giggle and dart around them, eager to touch and observe their mechanical antics, while adults focus their phones and cameras on capturing these high-tech marvels in motion.

Among the enthralled spectators was May-line, a visitor from France, who held one of the robot dogs and excitedly instructed her mother to record every moment.

“It’s like walking a pet, but it’s a robot — it’s amusing and totally unexpected,” she shared with Xinhua on May 5. “I can’t wait to send the photos and videos to my friends back in France.”

This mesmerizing display is part of a broader pilot program launched jointly by the Singapore Tourism Board and Chinese travel platform Mafengwo. Running from April 18 to May 17, the initiative brings these AI robots to Sentosa and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, offering international visitors a glimpse into the future of smart tourism.

The robotic dogs, developed by Unitree Robotics, a technology firm headquartered in Hangzhou, China, are more than just entertainment devices. Specially trained by Mafengwo for tourism contexts, the robots can perform guided tours, converse with visitors, and engage in a variety of playful activities, from dancing to expressive physical gestures. Their multilingual interactive narration and advanced environmental perception systems allow them to recognize surroundings, understand tourists’ questions, and respond intelligently with both speech and movement.

Prior to their Singapore debut, these AI companions had already appeared at several prominent tourist destinations across China. Their arrival in Singapore marks the first official overseas deployment, signaling a growing interest in integrating advanced robotics into international tourism experiences.

The rollout of AI robot dogs highlights Singapore’s ambition to fuse cutting-edge technology with its tourism sector, creating a unique selling point that attracts visitors from across the globe. The program has already piqued the curiosity of travelers, with many noting the novelty of interacting with a “smart pet” capable of dynamic responses and guided engagement.

The initiative also underscores the collaborative dimension of international tourism innovation:

• China — Home to Unitree Robotics, the technology pioneer behind the AI robot dogs, and Mafengwo, the travel platform that customized them for tourism applications. China’s expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence forms the backbone of the experience, showcasing the country’s leadership in smart technology deployment.
• Singapore — The host nation for this pilot program, providing locations such as Sentosa’s Sensoryscape and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Singapore leverages this technology to enhance visitor engagement, positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination that blends leisure with high-tech innovation.
• France — Represented by tourists like May-line, whose enthusiastic interactions with the robots demonstrate the international appeal and novelty of AI-driven tourism experiences. French travelers are among the first wave of visitors experiencing this blend of entertainment, guidance, and interactivity.

Visitors’ reactions indicate that the AI robot dogs do more than entertain; they transform the visitor experience into an interactive adventure. Tourists can ask the robots questions about the surroundings, receive guidance through the attractions, or simply watch them perform choreographed dances. The combination of responsive AI, playful gestures, and multilingual capabilities ensures that the robots are accessible and engaging to a broad audience, making each visit memorable and shareable.

The pilot program also signals a strategic move by Singapore’s tourism authorities to experiment with AI and robotics in real-world scenarios. By integrating technology that is both entertaining and functional, the initiative sets a precedent for smart tourism experiences worldwide. It demonstrates how AI can be seamlessly woven into visitor attractions to provide personalized, interactive, and memorable engagements.

Beyond their immediate appeal, the AI robot dogs serve as a bridge between technology and culture. They encourage visitors to explore attractions in new ways, blending sightseeing with hands-on interaction. Children learn to engage with robotics in a playful environment, while adults can explore the possibilities of AI-assisted tourism, capturing unique memories that extend far beyond traditional sightseeing.

As Singapore’s pilot program continues through May 17, the robots will remain a focal point at both Sentosa and Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Analysts and tourism enthusiasts alike are closely monitoring visitor responses, eager to understand how AI can enhance travel experiences on a global scale. The success of the initiative could inspire similar deployments in other countries, creating a network of high-tech tourism attractions that merge entertainment, education, and technology.

For now, visitors like May-line remain captivated by the charm of the AI robot dogs, blending curiosity, amusement, and futuristic fascination into a single experience. Singapore’s bold experiment demonstrates that with the right blend of technology and creativity, tourism can evolve beyond passive observation into an active, intelligent, and interactive adventure.