Exploring new cities can be an exciting adventure, especially when aided by the latest technology. With high hopes of discovering hidden gems in our home cities, Natasha Bernal in London and Amanda Hoover in New York decided to let an AI-powered chatbot plan out the perfect day with each of them having $100 (£77) to spend.
The AI chatbot, named Littlefoot, was created by a startup called Bigfoot, founded by former Airbnb executives. Littlefoot is designed to generate experiences in 161 cities worldwide by enmeshing the minds of various AI chatbots and information sources. However, the results of using this AI chatbot were rather disappointing.
Littlefoot’s recommendations ranged from incredibly niche suggestions to wildly vague ideas. It showed a lack of understanding of time and space, often suggesting locations that were out of budget or did not align with the users’ preferences. The same attractions kept appearing in the recommendations, leading to suspicions of paid advertising, although Bigfoot denied these claims.
The AI chatbot’s mapping function had inaccuracies, with some suggested destinations placed in the wrong locations. Bigfoot acknowledged these issues and stated that they are working on refining the platform based on user feedback. The company, although in its early stages, aims to improve the accuracy and relevance of its itineraries in the near future.
Bigfoot has tested its features with 70 to 80 alpha users this year and continues to refine the platform based on their feedback. Despite the initial setbacks, the company is determined to enhance the user experience and provide more tailored and accurate recommendations.
One user’s experience with Littlefoot centered around a sporting village in London, which turned out to be a disappointing day. Starting the day at WIRED’s office, the itinerary included visiting a restaurant in East London that was not open at the suggested time and had incorrect pricing information. The day ended up being a series of missteps and inaccurate recommendations.
While AI technology holds promise for enhancing travel experiences, the current limitations and flaws of AI-powered chatbots like Littlefoot highlight the importance of human intervention and oversight in trip planning. As companies like Bigfoot continue to refine their platforms and incorporate user feedback, the future of AI travel planning may become more reliable and personalized. Until then, it is essential to approach AI-generated itineraries with caution and a critical eye.
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