Welcome to the Future: Intelligent Robots at the Entrance of Structures

Would you like to have an intelligent robot at the entrance of a structure or building that helps welcome guests and provides general information? I mean, I guess it wouldn’t be that bad. It would actually be doing my job minus the actual check-in process, which could be automated too if someone was clever enough to piece together a remote Guest Assistant. All it would need to do is accept a credit or debit card, authorize funds for the stay, assign a room number, and issue keys to that room. All of that is well within the scope of AI as we know it currently.

Cost and Efficiency

First of all, it would be too expensive to have a robot handle reservations.

Hotels are currently addressing this by using online check-in services, but half of those fail, leading guests to have to see a live person instead. If you want great customer service, use a hotel that employs live people!

Interactive Holograms

Ive actually seen a version of this: an interactive hologram at a playhouse complex. It [literally] didn't last. Im guessing that not enough people interacted with it. Im guessing that the same problem could befall a robot.

Accessibility and Discrimination

Only if it doesn’t freak out the seeing-eye dogs. In that case, one would be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Conclusion

While the idea of an intelligent robot to enhance the guest experience may seem promising, it comes with several practical and regulatory challenges that make it less feasible than it appears. As technology continues to evolve, we may see more advancements in the hospitality industry, but for now, human assistance remains the standard for customer service and accessibility.

Key Takeaways

Intelligent robots can streamline the check-in process but may not be cost-effective. Online check-ins often fail, leading to the need for live personnel. Interactive holograms and similar technologies have challenges in user adoption. Ensure accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The future is teeming with possibilities, but in the meantime, live people continue to provide the personalized touch that many guests appreciate and trust.