Robotics in Hospitality: Automation Solutions for 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.

HKSTP Leads Landmark Innovation Delegation at VivaTech 2025 in Paris

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 16, 2025

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has made a powerful debut at VivaTech 2025, Europe’s premier startup and tech showcase, by leading a delegation of 18 of Hong Kong’s most promising innovators in AI, robotics, healthtech, greentech, and fintech.

The delegation was hosted at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, co-organised with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), highlighting a unified effort to bridge the innovation ecosystems of Hong Kong and France.

This milestone participation marks HKSTP’s mission of taking home-grown talent global and bringing international opportunities back to Asia. VivaTech provided an ideal launchpad to form meaningful partnerships and adapt breakthrough technologies for evolving global markets.

Standout Innovations from Hong Kong at VivaTech 2025:

Ailytics: Winner of the EDF Startup Challenge and named among the Top 30 VivaTech Innovations, thanks to its AI-powered video analytics for safety and efficiency in heavy industries.
AQUMON and Midas Analytics: Nominated as Top 12 FinTech Trail for their advanced AI-driven data solutions.
Imsight, OKOsix, and Vismed: Finalists in the Tech for Change Award, recognized for innovative strides in cancer diagnostics, biomaterials, and medical training, respectively.

Strategic Partnerships Formed:

Westwell Technology partnered with Logicor, a leading European logistics provider, to co-host an innovation showcase on autonomous driving and green logistics in Paris.
PointFit announced a collaboration with Kinomap, a French indoor-training platform, bringing wearable fitness tech to Europe.

Adding to this momentum, HKSTP signed a partnership agreement with Startup Genome, further committing to global ecosystem building through cross-border networking and innovation-centric events.

Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer at HKSTP, shared,

“Hong Kong’s innovation scene is ripe with global potential. With deep connectivity, globally fluent talent, and trusted systems, we’re enabling new tech frontiers to rise from Asia, and VivaTech is a key milestone in that journey.”

The delegation arrives at a time when both France and Hong Kong are stepping up as global I&T leaders—France through its AI unicorn ambitions, and Hong Kong as the 2nd most innovative economy globally, according to WIPO.

To continue this global engagement, HKSTP is hosting EPIC 2025—the Elevator Pitch Competition—in November in Hong Kong. With US$100 million in targeted investment funding, and over 600 applicants from 47 economies in previous years, the competition is open for entries till 17 June 2025: https://epic.hkstp.org

About HKSTP

Founded in 2001, HKSTP has nurtured over 2,300 tech companies from 25+ countries, including 13 unicorns. It supports innovations across AI, healthtech, fintech, smart city, and more via its major hubs—Science Park, InnoCentre, and InnoParks in Hong Kong and its Shenzhen branch. With access to labs, funding, and global networks, HKSTP aims to anchor innovation as a pillar of Hong Kong’s economic future.

From Paris to Hong Kong, HKSTP is redefining how tech talent and ecosystems connect—and the world is watching.

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RoomRaccoon Unveils RaccoonRev Plus: AI Revenue Co-Pilot for Independent Hotels

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 8, 2025

RoomRaccoon, a leading hotel management system trusted by independent hoteliers worldwide, has announced the launch of RaccoonRev Plus—a next-gen, AI-powered revenue management tool designed to deliver RMS-level pricing intelligence natively within the RoomRaccoon platform.

Tailored for small and mid-sized properties, RaccoonRev Plus helps bridge the gap between basic rule-based pricing models and complex Revenue Management Systems (RMS). The tool uses predictive AI and real-time data to offer daily rate recommendations up to 90 days in advance. It takes into account a wide range of signals including competitor pricing, weather forecasts, lead-time behavior, pickup pace, and historical trends to fine-tune hotel pricing strategy.

“Independent hoteliers have long been priced out of sophisticated revenue management technology,” said Tymen van Dyl, CEO of RoomRaccoon. “RaccoonRev Plus changes that. By embedding predictive pricing intelligence directly into our platform, we’re removing barriers and putting powerful, RMS-level tools into a system that hoteliers already know and trust.”

Designed as a ‘revenue co-pilot,’ the tool supports users with clear, AI-powered suggestions while keeping full control in their hands. Hoteliers can choose to act on insights at their own pace, with future updates offering full automation for those ready to go on autopilot.

“The idea of a revenue co-pilot is simple: you’re still in control, but you’re no longer flying solo,” van Dyl added. “We built the system to support hoteliers in stages, offering intelligent suggestions and giving users the confidence to gradually switch on autopilot when they’re ready.”

While revenue is the first frontier, RoomRaccoon views this as part of a larger AI roadmap.

“We’re moving toward a future where your HMS isn’t just a system — it’s part of your team,” van Dyl emphasized. “AI will make hotel operations more efficient by removing the friction of traditional workflows.”

RaccoonRev Plus is currently in beta testing with selected RoomRaccoon users, and the company anticipates a wider release later this year. Interested hoteliers can stay informed via RoomRaccoon’s website.

About RoomRaccoon

Founded in 2017 by a hotel owner and tech entrepreneur, RoomRaccoon is an award-winning cloud-based Hotel Management System. It offers a wide suite of tools that help hotels increase revenue, streamline operations, and enhance guest experience. With over 400 integrations, it’s among the most connected hospitality platforms on the market.