China’s Qitian Dasheng Network Technology is expanding its 72 Byte AI System for smart hotels and commercial buildings into Australia, with the help of a local AI expert.
Launched in 2014 by entrepreneur Qi Wu (Allen), the Beijing and Shanghai-based company’s AI-powered IoT services are used by some of China’s leading hotel and real estate brands, including BTG Homeinns and Jin Jiang International Hotels.
More recently, Melbourne-based developer Century Group Aus hopped on board to use the technology in their smart buildings.
According to Cornerstone Global Consulting Group, the group that’s assisting Wu with entering the Australian market, Qitian Dasheng has achieved an annual compound growth rate of more than 30 per cent for eight consecutive years.
The company’s 72 Byte AI System (72 Byte) is an all-in-one intelligent management platform for in-house smart devices and interactive systems in hotels and commercial buildings.
The tech uses AI and machine learning to analyse guests’ preferences and behaviours to deliver customised recommendations and services. From movie recommendations to food ordering to in-room checkouts – yes, you can avoid the long queues downstairs – 72 Byte personalises guest experiences.
In commercial buildings, 72 Byte’s platform helps building management use data to improve areas like energy efficiency and security.
The Australian connection
Wu founded 72 Byte after roles as the president of the Nengyuan energy platform and general manager of global B2B marketplace Tradekey China.
Before that, Wu attained his master’s degree in business at Melbourne’s Monash University. During that time, he met the man who would later become 72 Byte’s chief scientist: AI and machine learning expert Dr Andy (Zheng) Song, now an associate professor at RMIT’s School of Computing Technologies in Melbourne.
“We started collaborating quite a way before COVID, at least seven years ago,” Song tells Startup Daily.
AI expert Dr Andy Song from RMIT. Image: Supplied.
Song is one of the local chairs of the International Conference of Artificial Intelligence, a member of the OECD Forum, a member of the B20 Working Group and has provided professional advice for the G20 Summit.
His research team has helped co-develop the AI data processing engine behind 72 Byte, ensuring it adheres to international standards in AI and smart systems.
Now, Wu and Song are planning to launch the 72 Byte platform to the Australian market.
“I’m very confident,” Song says of 72 Byte’s potential. “I see the need. I see the market. And also, I think the technology is well positioned. From a technical point of view, it’s quite mature.”
The technology
The system offers a long list of customisable functionalities that can be used across in-room tablets, large-screen TVs and guest mobile phones.
There are standard functions like video on demand, hotel services and a personalised welcome page. But the more sophisticated options include AI-powered movie recommendations, local services tailored to guest interests and history, and capabilities for in-room checkout, invoicing and self-service extensions.
“One benefit is from the customer point of view – they get a better user experience,” Song explains. “But the other thing is more important for the hotel or building management side – it can help them to optimise, for example, energy use.
“I’ll give you an example. When you get guests, you can actually allocate their rooms close to each other. Therefore, the total, energy consumption can be reduced. So for example, on certain floors where you don’t have much occupancy, the aircon doesn’t need to be turned on that strongly.”
The technology helps hotel and building managers reduce costs, improve revenue and boost efficiency across their operations.
“There’s also the integration of managed third-party services,” Song adds. “So in a hotel they can order food or a taxi just from the screen, and get a recommendation of a local trip.”
And it helps staff work smarter too: “For smart buildings, they can also do things like order food or order maintenance parts through the screen. So, that’s actually more convenient.”
The next steps
Beijing-based entrepreneur Wu plans to return to Australia to collaborate further with the RMIT research team and connect with local businesses as 72 Byte rolls out.
As the company introduces and localises the AI technology in Australia, they also plan to build up the local team. Another high priority will be pushing for greater environmental sustainability in the commercial building and hotel industry.
Back in China, Wu’s Qitian Dasheng Network Technology is continuing its growth as a leading provider of SaaS, big data, cloud and AI services for a range of sectors, beyond accommodation and commercial real estate. Their partners include Mercedes-Benz, Jingdong, Bank of China, Valsfer Group and Huaxia Bank.
It’s been a rapid rise. Over the past 10 years, Qitian Dasheng has successfully completed five capital raises.
The investment rounds have helped elevate its valuation to 300 million RMB (AUD $62 million).
The next major milestone for the company is no small feat: listing on the Beijing Stock Exchange by 2025.
For more information, visit 72byte.com.
This article is brought to you by Startup Daily in partnership with Cornerstone Global Consulting Group.
Trending
Daily startup news and insights, delivered to your inbox.