New Kinpo Group to introduce robot assistants in PH airports

New Kinpo Group (NKG), a leading consumer electronics manufacturer based in Taiwan, is seeking additional land for its expansion plans in the country as well as facilitate its plan to introduce robot assistants in airports.

NKG CEO Simon Shen visited DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo to discuss their new investment program in the country and the robot assistants in airports. Last year, NKG has also started discussions with SM Supermalls on manufacturing customer service robot assistants for them.

Shen shared plans to establish a new 24,000-square meter facility in Lipa, Batangas. NKG also plans to develop their manufacturing complex in the First Philippine Industrial Park, Inc. in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. These expansions will increase NKG’s employment from 11,000 to 18,000 in two to three years. NKG said these are all part of its plans to position the Philippines as the group hub in Southeast Asia. To fund their expansion, NKG’s subsidiary, Cal-Comp Technology (Philippines), Inc., will conduct an initial public offering (IPO) this year to help fund its $250 million investments in the country over the next three years. The expansion project will boost its existing plants’ capability to introduce IA and automation.

Lopez committed to connect NKG with the Departments of Transportation (DOTr) and Tourism (DOT) to facilitate its planned installation of airport robot assistants. Once in place, the robot concierge will guide passengers to their respective terminals by scanning their boarding passes.

“These robots can be a great feature in some of our newer airports. These technologies also help bring public awareness to the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). As the Philippines has its eyes on being an AI Center of Excellence by 2025, we look forward to seeing more of these and manufacturing them here in the country,” Lopez said.

“The DTI is grateful to NKG for investing in the Philippines and providing decent jobs to thousands of Filipinos. President Rodrigo Duterte has assured that all investments will be protected in the country and we are doing our part in keeping that promise,” said Lopez.