Will Robots One Day Replace Bellhops?

An Aloft hotel in California is using a robot to handle many tasks typically performed by humans.

When guests at the Aloft hotel in Cupertino, California call for room service, they may find a robot at their door moments later. Next week, the hotel, part of Starwood Hotels, will begin testing a robotic bellhop capable of transporting items between the lobby and guest rooms. At a height of about 3 feet, the compact droid, also known as “Botlr,” will be able to bring toothbrushes, razors, snacks, towels, phone chargers and a host of other objects directly to guests. However, as in other industries, some worry that Botlr is part of a disturbing trend, whereby automation is steadily snatching jobs away from humans.

Designed by Savioke, a California-based robotics start-up, Botlr — or SaviOne, as the company calls it — features a painted collar resembling that of a human butler. Other than that, it looks like a slimmer version of Star Wars’ R2-D2 or, as The New York Times described it, “perhaps like a miniaturized nuclear power plant’s cooling tower.”

The robot can travel at up to 4 mph, about the speed of a brisk walk. It uses various sensors and wireless communication to roll up to the elevator door and instruct it to open. Botlr will even maneuver around people.

Upon reaching a room, Botlr electronically calls the guest. It then uses its camera and sensors to detect when a person has opened the door and retrieved the delivered items. Guests can use the robot’s embedded screen to enter a review instead of offering a tip. A positive review triggers Botlr to dance before it wheels away.

Once it finds its way back to the lobby, Botlr can plug itself into a recharging station.

“I think there is a chance that this could go enterprise-wide based on a successful pilot,” Brian McGuinness told CNBC. McGuinness, Starwood Hotels’ senior vice president for Specialty Select brands, including Aloft, also seeks to temper fears that robots will displace workers. “I see this as an enhancement to our customer service,” McGuinness told The New York Times. “It’s not going to be a replacement for our human talent.”

Steve Cousins, Savioke’s founder, also aims to quell job-loss concerns. He claims that as automation has increased over time, so have the number of jobs. “If you really want to create a lot of jobs, just outlaw tractors. The work force would have to go back on the farm, but nobody is willing to do that,” Cousins told The New York Times.

Still, a recent study from the University of Oxford estimated that computerization poses a threat to 47 percent of total employment in the United States.

Of course, only time will tell if more hotels will teem with robots. In the meantime, Cousins insists that by handling small tasks, Botlr will enable front-desk staff to better cater to customers — in person.

[Photo: Savioke]