British Firm Tries Out Virtual Receptionist
NPR
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
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Shanice is about to start her job as the receptionist at a new local government office in London. She also happens to be a hologram. Officials say that at a cost of $19,000, she's much cheaper than a living and salaried alternative.
Transcript
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
And our last word in business today is more of an introduction: Welcome to Shanice, who is about to start her job as the receptionist at a new local government office in London. She also happens to be a hologram.
DAVID GREENE, HOST:
That's right, a hologram receptionist. Officials say that at a cost of $19,000, she is much cheaper than a living and salaried alternative. But she can only respond to a small number of questions - like directions to different offices, or maybe how to use the elevator.
SHANICE: To use the lift, please call it by holding the button and keeping it held until the lift arrives.
MONTAGNE: And hopefully, she also knows the answer to the question receptionists get most often: Where's the bathroom?
(LAUGHTER)
MONTAGNE: And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.
GREENE: And I'm David Greene.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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