Aloft Hotel in California's Silicon Valley created quite a stir when they introduced their robot room service in August last year. The experiment was still in preliminary stages but still managed to wow guests anyway. Apparently inspired by Star Wars' R2D2, these robots will offer smooth room service and butler facilities across hotels.
Living in tech times like we do, it should really come as no surprise that robots are to be used for various services from now on. But for those who have been considerably influenced by stories like "I, Robot," there is more cause to worry than gadgets taking over.
The news has the hospitality industry hopping. With this sector set to grow exponentially, robotic butlers could very well revolutionize service and rake in profits. The question is how will this affect the human component of the business?
Silicon Valley seemed to be an apt place for the debut of the robotic butlers. But now that their pilot test has concluded and an updated version released, a wide-scale expansion is in the offing. Starwood, Aloft's parent company, may opt for more robotic butlers for the 100-odd Aloft Hotels around the world this year.
Apart from that, Savioke (maker of the robots) is set to announce new partnerships with other major hotel chains soon. The enthusiastic responses they have received from across the industry show immense potential. Chains have been quick to understand that this technology will negate recurring overheads and personnel issues that often mar their human resource records.
The robotic butler service is made with a combination of lasers and cameras, along with sonar wave technology. During the pilot phase, the robot had made more than 2,000 successful deliveries. From sending towels to toothbrushes to bottled water, it proved capable of handling itself without errors. There is even a handy screen for instant ratings or tips if the guests are happy with the service.
It is a perfect example of blending cutting-edge technology with the tech-savvy millennial sentiment, which has already been excited about new smartphone technology to unlock hotel room doors. These developments show an increasing trend of revolutionizing the global hospitality industry, which will earn about $550 billion in revenues in 2016.
In the United States, the hospitality industry has seen revenue grow from $115.6 billion in 2001 to $163 billion in 2013, and this figure will continue to rise in the next 10 years. Paired with these figures is the rise in employment across the hospitality industry, with experts predicting a 3 percent increase in wages as well.
These have been heartening predictions for Americans who are looking at a more stable future after the harrowing ups and downs of the recession. Naturally, experiments like robotic butlers are not as exciting for them.
The robots can not only carry out the butler service smoothly, but they can also assist other human resources in the hotel to multitask better. With the help of the sensors and navigation software installed within, a robot can connect with the hotel's wireless network and navigate its way around a property with ease. With each progress and development, it negates the need for one employee at a time.
While this is not really a cause for concern for the millennial guests, there is one thing that might make them a bit wary. As experts point out, technology is expensive. Throw in the high-tech scenario of artificial intelligence, and there just might be a premium attached to it.
These are early days, of course, since the pilot phase has just concluded. It remains to be seen what the hotels do when they get these robots in bulk, or rather how they wish to get returns on their considerable investment. With hotels and airlines charging for every amenity or convenience out there, a robot service fee wouldn't be too much of a surprise.
