Californias AI craze hits the road as Silicon Valley city enlists humanoid robot to woo America

San Jose has recruited an AI-powered humanoid robot to promote the Northern California city at various conventions across the country.The robot ambassador named Sir Kit, has been making the rounds at events and trade shows across the country, promoting Silicon Valley tourism while entertaining convention-goers.Created by San Jose’s IntBot, Sir Kit recently appeared at TSJ BASH, San Jose’s biannual networking and industry conference for local hotels, event planners, restaurant owners and tourism operators.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story The event took place Nov.12 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.“This is Sir Kit, Team San Jose’s AI robot that accompanied their people to a couple of trade shows this year preaching the gospel of San Jose,” the convention center’s social media account wrote.A photo showed the humanoid robot sporting a baseball cap and black T-shirt with the words “San Jose” emblazoned across it.Sir Kit touted the city’s tourism offerings to attendees, the Mercury News reported.“Working in the booth as a brand ambassador I shared a lot about San Jose as a meeting destination, the spaces available for events, the hotels in town and lots about the restaurants, attractions and many things for visitors to do after hours,” the robot said.The San Jose event was just the latest stop on Sir Kit’s tour.

The robot also appeared at the IMEX trade show in Las Vegas in October and the ASAE Annual Meeting in Indianapolis in August alongside the San Jose team.“The Visit San Jose Sales Team is bringing our interactive AI humanoid robot, Sir Kit, to Indianapolis for the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, Aug.15–18,” the city’s visitors bureau wrote on LinkedIn.“From the latest hotel developments to giving attendees a...