SenQ has a set of new sales advisors and they are not human! QQ and TiTi, a pair of robot sales assistants, is SenQ’s latest addition to the team. Hailed as the first humanoid robots in Malaysia deployed in consumer electric and electronics retails, the robots will first make an appearance in SenQ 1Utama, before rolling out nationwide.

Similar to the Pepper robots found in Japanese retailers, the robots are connected to the internet, running on a basic operating system. These robots are developed and programmed to disseminate brand and promotional messages to help improve customer engagement. Assigned female, QQ represents SenQ and is recognised in red, while TiTi (弟弟) translates to little brother in Mandarin and comes with blue accents. The names were designed to be catchy and easily remembered by customers.

QQ and TiTI are both designed with several motors that allow them to move freely and gesticulate with hand, fingers, head and body. Beyond providing customers with information, the robots also can entertain customers through dance moves. The robots are linked to tablet computers, where customers can select questions from categories, such as key value propositions, products, promotions, PlusOne Loyalty Program and highlight of the month and interact with QQ and TiTi for answers.

Currently, the robots are only deployed in the One Utama outlet, interacting only in English.  SenQ will be rolling out additional robots to other stores after additional training and information has been inputted into the robots. In a media interview with Lim Kim Heng, managing director of senQ digital station, he explains that the robots are not meant to replace existing sales staff, but as a tool to enhance engagement with their customers.

“Robots still can’t close the sales for us!” he jokes. “Without programming and input, a robot is still a robot. QQ and TiTi are meant to enhance engagement with our customers, especially for young children, who will enjoy interacting with the robots.”