Robotics in Hospitality: Automation Solutions for Improved Efficiency

Robotics in Hospitality: Automation Solutions for Improved Efficiency

By Author

Published on July 25, 2024

This Exclusive Article is Contributed by Mr Vinesh Gupta, General Manager of The Den

Hoteliers worldwide are witnessing a paradigm shift propelled by the seamless fusion of automation and innovation. While there may be concerns about job displacement, the reality is that robotics offer unparalleled efficiency, optimizing operations while curbing costs. This competitive edge not only streamlines tasks but also empowers human capital to achieve more with less labor, creating new job opportunities in the process. The burgeoning landscape of artificial intelligence, coupled with the advent of robotic devices and smart room technology, underscores the undeniable advantages of automation within the hospitality sphere.

The adoption of robotics in the hospitality sector is driven by several factors, including the need for enhanced operational efficiency, the desire to provide unique guest experiences, and the increasing demand for contactless services, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Enhancing Guest Experiences

A significant area where robotics is evident in hospitality is guest services. Robots are being used as virtual concierges, front desk clerks, and even porters, which gives a new outlook on managing guests. Furthermore, robots can provide services that are unique to the guest’s requirements. These robots use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to remember guests’ preferences, suggest activities, and even recommend the best options to guests, which makes guests’ stays more enjoyable. This adaptability to guests’ evolving needs is a testament to the industry's commitment to providing exceptional experiences.

Streamlining Housekeeping Operations

Another area where robotics is making a huge difference is housekeeping. Housekeeping is one of the most tedious and time-consuming services that can be improved and made more efficient using technology. For instance, robotic vacuum cleaners are now in use to ensure floors are clean at all times. Such robots can move around the furniture, avoid any barriers, and clean the entire space without any human interference. Besides vacuuming, robots are also being employed for other specific cleaning activities. For instance, UV-C light robots are used for the disinfection of rooms and other areas that the public is likely to access in an effort to increase the level of hygiene and safety for the guests. This not only enhances the effectiveness of housekeeping activities but also ensures that guests’ new sensitivity to cleanliness and hygiene is met.

Revolutionising Food and Beverage Services

Robotics is also revolutionizing the food and beverage sub-sector of the hospitality industry. From using robotic utensils in the kitchen to using robotic servers in restaurants, the application of robots is increasing order and accuracy in food preparation and delivery. Fast food joints are now employing robotic chefs who are capable of preparing most meals with efficiency and accuracy. These robots guarantee the standardization of meals, minimize wastage, and let the humans work on more creative and intricate assignments. Also, robot servers are no longer a rarity in many restaurants and cafes as they are now a trend. Such robots can accept orders, bring food and even interact with the clients, which makes the restaurant experience rather special. This trend is attributed to the desire to improve efficiency, cut the costs of employees and increase the demand for services that do not require physical touch.

Improving Back-End Operations

Apart from services that are directly offered to the guests, robotics has also found its way into the back end of the hospitality industry. For example, inventory management is in the process of being transformed by automated systems that are capable of managing and tracking inventory levels accurately. RFID technology in robots can help in performing inventory check ups frequently, and this will help in avoiding situations whereby there is either excess or inadequate stock in the stores. Furthermore, supply chain management is also benefiting from the use of robots to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the system. Self-driving cars or AGVs and drones are being used in warehouses for conveying goods, stock taking, and order picking. This not only helps to increase the speed of operations but also helps to decrease the need for a workforce, thus reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Therefore, it can be stated that the application of robotics in hospitality is gradually developing and may expand further in the future due to the constant progress in technology. While there may be concerns about job displacement, it's important to note that these technologies are not meant to replace human workers but to enhance their capabilities and create new job opportunities. AI and machine learning will also be incorporated into robots to improve their performance and make them smarter and more responsive. Also, the use of collaborative robots or cobots that will share working space with human employees will enhance productivity and work harmony.

The above article is a guest contribution and has neither been written nor edited by the team at hospitalitynews.in. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of hospitalitynews.in. We are not liable for the accuracy or reliability of any information or opinions presented.


Airbnb Introduces Social Features and Platform Updates for Enhanced Guest Experiences

Airbnb Introduces Social Features and Platform Updates for Enhanced Guest Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2025

Airbnb is enhancing its platform with new social features for Airbnb Experiences, designed to facilitate interaction among guests before, during, and after their activities. The updates also include improvements to search, maps, payments, AI-powered support, and host tools to better manage listings and pricing ahead of the busy winter travel season.

The social features aim to strengthen connections between guests. A survey in India revealed that over 90% of respondents wanted to learn more about fellow guests before booking. In response, Airbnb now displays attendee information, including locations, and allows guests to message each other during and after experiences. The Connections section in the Airbnb profile tab also helps users reconnect with past contacts, while maintaining full privacy control over profile sharing and messaging permissions.

To enhance discovery, Airbnb has expanded search results to include homes slightly outside original criteria and introduced updated maps. Users can filter by landmarks, attractions, restaurants, and more, with future plans to add satellite, street, and transit views. The Reserve Now, Pay Later option lets guests reserve eligible stays without upfront payment, initially launched in the U.S. and slated for global expansion.

Airbnb’s AI assistant has been upgraded for smarter, personalised support in English, Spanish, and French across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The assistant can recognise users, reservations, or listings, offering faster responses and allowing common tasks like cancellations or date modifications directly in the chat interface.

Hosts gain new tools for flexibility and insight, including setting different cancellation policies for specific periods, receiving advanced price recommendations, and planning for seasonal trends. In the following year, hosts will also be able to view year-on-year earnings trends and compare seasonal performance through a redesigned dashboard.

These updates aim to create a more seamless and engaging experience for both guests and hosts, combining social connection, flexible payments, and smarter management tools across Airbnb’s platform.


Palaniappa Electronics: Complete Solutions for Hospitality Tech and Hygiene

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2025

Palaniappa Electronics has established itself as a trusted name for hospitality electronics and hygiene solutions in India. For over 21 years, the company has been supplying commercial-grade electronics, including TVs, displays, laundry equipment, dishwashers, refrigerators, amenities, and mobiles, to leading hotels, hospitals, and educational institutions across South India. With a turnover exceeding ₹150 crore, 50+ experienced employees, and a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse, Palaniappa Electronics stands as a pioneer in the industry.

The company is a distributor for more than 18 international brands, including Samsung and JVD, providing visual display solutions for hospitality, public spaces, and educational institutions, as well as surveillance solutions. Their B2B and institutional sales network make them one of the largest suppliers of hospitality electronics in the country.

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Under the leadership of Mr. Muthu Solaiappan, Head of Operations, Palaniappa Electronics is setting new benchmarks in customer service, timely delivery, and quality. Among its premium offerings is Rainbow Vacuum Cleaners: The Smart Hygiene Partner for Star Hotels.

In the hospitality industry, first impressions are defined by cleanliness. The Rainbow Cleaning System offers star hotels a scientifically designed solution that goes beyond surface cleaning. Unlike conventional vacuums, Rainbow’s water-based filtration captures dust, dirt, and allergens in a water tray, preventing any particles from escaping back into the air. Its built-in air purification mode neutralizes odours and stale air, creating a fresh and welcoming environment for guests.

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For General Managers and property owners, Rainbow combines vacuuming and air purification in a single, robust system, reducing maintenance costs, improving guest satisfaction, and supporting modern hospitality standards of health, safety, and sustainability.

Palaniappa Electronics’ excellence is reflected in its prestigious clientele, including Taj Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien, Hyatt Regency, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, VIT University, Kauvery Hospitals, and Naruvi Hospitals, showcasing the company’s leadership and trusted solutions in the hospitality and institutional electronics sector.

Contact:

muthu@palaniappagroup.com
 +91 90030 45685 


Can You Trust What You Eat? How Technology is Making Food Labels Honest

Can You Trust What You Eat? How Technology is Making Food Labels Honest

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2025

In a time when consumers are increasingly questioning claims like “organic” and “natural,” Earthen Connect is bringing authenticity back to the shelf. This agri-tech natural foods brand uses a QR code-enabled traceability system, connecting buyers directly to the source of every product, from the farm where it was grown to the community that cultivated it.

Each jar of honey, packet of seeds, or pouch of turmeric now comes with a scannable QR code that shows the product’s complete journey, including farm location, grower name, harvest date, certifications, and sustainability practices.

Trust in food has been compromised for far too long,” said Vaibhav Sinha, Founder & CEO, Earthen Connect. “We built Earthen Connect to close that gap, not with words, but with proof. Our technology ensures that when a consumer scans our product, they see exactly where it came from and who made it possible. Transparency shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be a standard.”

Organic labels alone don’t always tell the full story. Earthen Connect’s system delivers hyper-transparency, showing consumers not only what’s in their food but how it reached them.

For farmers, the platform offers visibility, fair pricing, and recognition, while its Fair Trade validation ensures local communities get the value they deserve. For buyers, it offers direct access to ethically sourced produce, giving them confidence in what they consume.

Empowering Conscious Consumption

For Consumers: Scan and verify every step of a product’s lifecycle, from soil to shelf.

For Farmers: Gain digital visibility and fair compensation through verified traceability.

For the Industry: A model that challenges opaque supply chains and sets new standards for “clean” and “sustainable.”

Consumers are no longer satisfied with claims; they want clarity,” added Vaibhav Sinha. “Our traceability system makes information accessible, verifiable, and human. It builds a transparent bridge between the farmer and the consumer.”

About Earthen Connect

Earthen Connect is an agri-tech enterprise dedicated to building a transparent, ethical, and sustainable natural foods ecosystem. Combining technology, traceability, and Fair Trade principles, the brand ensures that every product—from raw forest honey and Lakadong turmeric to a range of superfoods—is honest, healthy, and responsibly sourced.

For more details, visit www.earthenconnect.com or scan any Earthen Connect product to trace its journey from farm to plate.

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