More and more hotels around the world are turning to robots to handle tasks as basic as delivering towels and as complex as cooking breakfast. A look at some of the top robots in the industry.
Ausca
M Social, Singapore
Activation: introduced in November as the first front-of-house robotic chef prototype; works with “his sister” Aura, a delivery robot
Specs: a robotic arm picks up and cracks open two eggs and cooks them sunny-side up or as an omelette
Duties: serves as the hotel’s “chef-in-training,” creating fresh egg dishes for guests at the hotel restaurant, Beast & Butterflies
Fritz Factor: he’s no Rosie the Robot—Ausca only knows how to make eggs; breaks a yolk or two every now and then
Botlr
Aloft, Cupertino, CA
Activation: first launched by Savioke in 2014, this popular model—who goes by Botlr at Aloft properties—is now found in over 70 hotels worldwide
Specs: uses 3D cameras and Wi-Fi to navigate; capable of detecting and alerting human staff of internet outages and empty trays; wears a faux tuxedo
Duties: delivers towels, toiletries and room service, including special deliveries, such as engagement rings; asks for guests to rate their stay
Fritz Factor: once short-circuited after a guest accidentally put wet towels in him; requests Twitter mentions in lieu of tips
Tug
Sheraton, Los Angeles
Activation: after years of lugging around items in hospitals, Aethon’s automated robot delivery units are checking into hotels
Specs: designed to carry luggage; returns to charging dock when not in use; able to operate elevators and automatic doors
Duties: operates as a robotic bellhop who can transport suitcases, linens and other items to rooms; also capable of assisting the staff in taking out the trash when needed
Fritz Factor: Tug works best if you stay out of his way; must connect back to Aethon’s home office when he needs to be updated
Pepper
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
Activation: launched in November, this chatty bot created by SoftBank Robotics can also be found in shops and malls around the world
Specs: humanoid bot with expressive “eyes” that can discern a guest’s mood by detecting facial, body and voice cues; features a tablet on her chest
Duties: hotel’s technical ambassador; greets guests in the lobby; works 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; poses for selfies and gives directions
Fritz Factor: Pepper is programmed to crave attention; asks guests to “come over here”; sighs when ignored
