order fulfilment. Both of these areas can improve efficiency and reduce costs through the use of technology. The future is here, but it remains to be seen how it will affect the industry in the long run. While there are certainly potential benefits to using robot food service workers and other automated machines, there are also some challenges that
need to be addressed. Hospitality businesses will need to carefully consider the costs and benefits of automation, as well as the impact it could have on their hiring needs and overall operations. Ultimately, the most successful businesses will be those that strike a balance between automation and the personal touch that only human workers can provide.
SIDEBAR Where are Robots currently working? Haidilao – a popular hot pot restaurant chain that has been using robots to serve food and perform other tasks in some of their locations in China. Aloft Hotels – a brand under the Marriott International umbrella that has been using a robot called Botlr to deliver items such as towels and toothbrushes to guests in some of their hotels in the United States. Yotel – a hotel chain with locations in several countries around the world (including Times Square in
New York), has been using a robot called Yobot to store and retrieve luggage for guests in some of their hotels. Connie is the Robot Concierge from Hilton Worldwide; it was developed by IBM and uses AI to do its job.
About the author: Jeanine Banks , EVP of Lloyd Staffing, a recruitment and search firm with more than 50 years of success. The firm has specialty practices ranging from accounting and finance to technology to supply chain and more. Jeanine may be reached at JLBanks@LloydStaffing.com or by phone at 954.916.5044. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
JEANINE BANKS EVP, LLOYD STAFFING
May/June P 13
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