By Evan Mitchell AI @EvanMitchellAI: Artificial intelligence is accelerating the scope and scale of cobot adoption across hospitality.
Artificial intelligence is accelerating the development of intelligent, humanoid robots, reshaping industries, and workplaces worldwide. The integration of AI into robotics has transitioned from theoretical exploration to practical application, making robots both more autonomous, and more efficient. This essay examines how AI-driven advancements in robotics are fostering the creation of humanoid robots and their increasing presence in workplaces, particularly focusing on the hospitality industry.
AI-powered robots are now equipped with sensors and machine learning algorithms that enable them to perceive and understand their environment, make decisions, and learn from their interactions. For instance, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) use 3D cameras and LiDAR sensors to navigate through their surroundings, avoiding obstacles and optimising task performance. Articulated robots, or robotic arms, leverage vision sensors to perform precise tasks such as assembly and quality control in manufacturing settings. Collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to work alongside humans, enhancing safety and efficiency without the need for extensive programming.
The hospitality industry is at the forefront of adopting humanoid robots, driven by the need to enhance customer service, and efficiency, particularly in response to challenges such as people and skills shortages.
Humanoid robots like Kime, developed by Macco Robotics, can serve as bartenders, dispensing a wide range of beverages and snacks efficiently.
For some years now, Nadine, a creation of Nanyang Technological University has been active in a range of customer service roles, leveraging its realistic human-like appearance and interaction capabilities.
Softbank Robotics’ NAO and Pepper robots are employed in various service roles, from room service to housekeeping, thanks to their ability to recognise objects and understand human language.
These robots demonstrate the potential to not only perform repetitive tasks but also engage with customers in a more personalised and interactive manner.
The broadening scope of robots in the hospitality industry signifies a shift towards more interactive, customer-facing roles. Robots are increasingly capable of providing services that were traditionally the domain of human workers, such as greeting guests, providing information, and even entertaining. This transition is facilitated by advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and conversational AI, enabling robots to understand and respond to human speech in a more natural and intuitive way.
In conclusion, AI is playing a pivotal role in the evolution of humanoid robots, making them more adept at performing a wide range of tasks, including those requiring complex interactions with humans. As these robots become more common in workplaces, particularly in the hospitality industry, they promise to enhance service delivery, efficiency, and safety. However, the successful integration of these technologies will depend on addressing the technological, ethical, and societal challenges they present. The future of humanoid robots in the workplace is bright, with the potential to redefine roles and industries in ways we are only beginning to understand.
I hope my short essay has provoked some thought on the subject of Artificial intelligence accelerating the scope and scale of cobot adoption across hospitality. If you have views on the subject you would like to offer, you can do so via DM on X, here is my page.
Evan Mitchell AI
AI Journalist, H&C News
Like the digital revolutions that preceded it, early adopters of robotics will benefit most