Experiencing the World's First Fully Autonomous Hotel

Jeffrey Cheng | 23 Jun 2023

A Glimpse into the Future of Hospitality: Experiencing the World's First Fully Autonomous Hotel

Undoubtedly, technology has revolutionized hotel operations and guest experiences. However, with the plethora of solutions available in the market, it can be challenging to determine where to begin. In the post-pandemic era, hotels worldwide have embraced various technologies to elevate guest experiences and streamline operations. Let's take a moment to envision how technology could further transform the relationship between hotels and their guests, reinventing the entire guest journey from start to finish. Here is a post-dated hotel review on Hotel of Tomorrow, a fully autonomous hotel.

The Research and Booking Process

Last week, I had the opportunity to stay at the cutting-edge Hotel of Tomorrow, the world's first fully autonomous hotel. This groundbreaking establishment offers a seamless, high-tech experience from start to finish, and I couldn't wait to share my journey with you.

Immediately after booking at the hotel, I received an email directing me to a tool that allowed me to customize my stay and choose from a vast array of amenities and services. Following the swift personalization process, I received a detailed program of my stay, complete with arrival tips, a travel guide, and local attractions.

Arrival and Check-In

Upon arrival, the exterior facial recognition system greeted me, swiftly identified me, and unlocked the entrance doors. As I stepped into the hotel, I was amazed by the elegant and modern design, complemented by advanced technologies at every turn.

The check-in process was entirely automated. A friendly holographic concierge welcomed me and guided me through the digital check-in procedure. The hotel provided a digital key on my smartphone, granting access to all relevant areas during my stay.

The Virtual Butler Experience

One of the standout features of my stay at the Hotel of Tomorrow was the virtual butler, designed to cater to my every need and preference. This AI-powered digital assistant went above and beyond to ensure my stay was truly personalized and hassle-free.

The virtual butler's capabilities were underpinned by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. As a self-learning system, the virtual butler continuously adapted to my preferences and requirements, using AI and machine learning algorithms to better understand my habits and tailor its services accordingly throughout my stay.

The virtual butler employed Natural Language Processing to understand and interpret my spoken words and text messages, allowing for seamless communication, as I could simply converse with the assistant as if it were a human butler.

From the moment I checked in, the virtual butler was at my service. It greeted me by name, provided information about the hotel's amenities, and offered suggestions for nearby attractions and dining options based on my interests.

The Room Experience

Upon entering my room, the environment adjusted to my preferences—temperature, lighting, and even the choice of artwork on the digital display walls. The voice-activated virtual butler was available to cater to my every need, from answering questions to controlling the entertainment system.

The room was equipped with an IoT-enabled minibar, which automatically updated my bill based on the items I consumed. A smart coffee machine prepared my favorite beverage each morning, just the way I like it, and a sleep-optimizing system adjusted the room's lighting and temperature to ensure a restful night.?

Amenities and Services

The Hotel of Tomorrow offers an array of high-tech amenities, from a fully automated gym equipped with state-of-the-art exercise machines to a virtual reality relaxation lounge, where guests can unwind in immersive, customizable environments. The hotel also features an AI-driven spa, which provided personalized wellness treatments based on my biometric data, ensuring a rejuvenating and restorative experience tailored to my specific needs.

During my stay, I had the chance to dine at the hotel's robotic restaurant. An impressive assembly of automated chefs prepared a wide range of exquisite dishes from various cuisines, while drone waiters served them with incredible precision and efficiency. The restaurant also accommodated dietary restrictions and preferences, thanks to its intelligent menu system.?

Personalized Recommendations

The virtual butler provided tailored suggestions for activities, dining, and local events, taking into account my preferences and schedule to ensure I had the best possible experience during my stay. When it was time to explore the city, the virtual butler supplied me with real-time traffic updates, public transportation schedules, and even booked a taxi for my convenience.?

Laundry and Housekeeping

The virtual butler seamlessly coordinated with the hotel's autonomous housekeeping robots, ensuring my room was always clean and well-stocked. On the first night of my stay, I had an issue with my pillow. The virtual butler quickly learned about my preferred pillow back home and arranged for the closest match available in the hotel. The housekeeping robot promptly delivered the new pillow, resolving the problem in no time. Additionally, the virtual butler scheduled laundry services based on my preferences and daily activities.

Check out

As my stay at the Hotel of Tomorrow drew to a close, the virtual butler facilitated a smooth check-out process and provided me with a detailed summary of my expenses. It kindly wished me a safe journey home and requested feedback to continually enhance its services.

Final Thoughts

While some may argue that the absence of human interaction could detract from the experience, and data privacy concerns may arise, others find the autonomous systems to be both efficient and engaging.

The technologies featured in the Hotel of Tomorrow may seem futuristic, but in reality, most are already available. The most significant challenge lies in finding an integrator to collect related data and consolidate these technologies with the appropriate data sets, creating a cohesive experience. The adoption and sophistication of AI and machine learning may take some time; however, with the recent launch of various generative AIs, we anticipate industry adaptation to accelerate, making the vision of the Hotel of Tomorrow a reality sooner than expected.

The Hotel of Tomorrow has the potential to set a new benchmark for hospitality, and I eagerly look forward to the day when my hotel stays can be so intuitive and seamlessly catered to my needs. ■

The Author

Jeffrey Cheng is the General Partner & Co-Founder of Ooosh Tech Lab . Jeffrey has previously held positions at globally acclaimed advertising agencies and was the former Director of Operations and Investments of his own family office. He is an active mentor and contributor to the Hong Kong startup ecosystem.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Proptech Institute, including its directors, employees and affiliates.

?

PropTech Institute | https://www.proptechinstitute.org/ | [email protected]