Robots and Automation Move From Novelty to Necessity in Hotels
Photo Credit: An automated delivery at a hotel Seaview Investors
Skift Take
Given the constraints of today’s labor market — and the speed to onboard new hospitality talent — it’s time to push the envelope when it comes to artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation.
No frequent traveler has escaped the toothpaste walk of shame — the stroll to the front desk to grab a forgotten toiletry, during which that guest prays no one wants face time.
But that's been eliminated at the eight California hotels owned by Seaview Investors, thanks to robot ambassadors that deliver hotels, sundries and dental necessities in five minutes or less.
"The goal isn’t to replace anybody, (but) just make the jobs better for those who work here," said Tiffany Jassel Bevins, Seaview’s director of asset management.
"It allows staff to deliver more personalized service to guests in front of them. And we have so much positive feedback on TripAdvisor (surrounding the robots)."
The technology from Silicon Valley-based Relay Robotics is programmed to mingle and tell jokes, said Steve Cousins, the company's chief technical officer. But while offering something a bit different from other hotels attracts guests, it can also expand t
