Humanoid Robots in Hospitality Operations - Not Yet

In my book Hotel 4.0, published a few years ago during the early days of robotics in the hospitality industry, I reflected on the necessity to rethink operations to fully leverage technology, particularly robotics. Attempting to make robots operate exactly like humans is a fundamental error.

Recently, there's been significant hype around humanoid robots. Many colleagues, partners and clients ask if these will replace the current robotics solutions available in the market, such as indoor delivery robots produced by companies like KEENON Robotics or other market players. My response is unequivocally no, and here's why:

Efficiency: Robotics is utilized to enhance efficiency. Therefore, robots must be designed for efficiency, not imitation. An average indoor delivery robot with wheels that can transport approximately 40 kg across various floors in a hotel or hospital will always be more efficient (with the currently available commercial technology) than a humanoid robot that attempts to mimic human movements, such as carrying a tray, pushing or pulling a trolley.

ROI (Return on Investment): Humanoid robots could potentially have fascinating applications in the near future. However, achieving humanoid robots with acceptable and stable performance, proper mobility, affordable commercial pricing, and easy installation for adoption in the service sector is unlikely in the short term.

Ken Goldberg 's TED Conferences Talk "Why don't we have better robots yet?" sheds light on why humanoid robots may not be the immediate solution. He highlights Moravec's Paradox: what's easy for humans is hard for robots and vice versa. This paradox underlines the complexity of creating robots that can perform tasks humans find simple, such as grasping objects or manipulating deformable items like laundry or cables. Ken Goldberg 's insights reinforce that simple, task-specific robots are currently more practical and efficient.

As depicted in Star Wars, we may envision a future where robots like R2D2 and C3PO work together, complementing each other's strengths and compensating for their weaknesses. For now, we already possess a generation of robust and reliable robotic solutions ready to be leveraged!!!

In conclusion, while the allure of humanoid robots is strong, the practical and efficient application of current robotic technology remains paramount. We must focus on enhancing and utilizing the existing solutions that offer tangible benefits today.

This article was enhanced by OpenAI 's GPT 4o, incorporating insights from Ken Goldberg 's TED Talk to support my thesis. For further details, you can watch the full TED Talk, "Why don't we have better robots yet?" by Ken Goldberg. Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_goldberg_why_don_t_we_have_better_robots_yet?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

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