Hotels are modernized with robotic service options
Implications - In order to appeal to younger travelers, many hotels are updating their accommodations with high-tech offerings that increase guest autonomy. By integrating technology into the very fabric of the space, these hotels are able to stay competitive in the share economy, as well as leverage their existing staff to create more memorable experiences. By embracing technology as a tool of empowerment, brands can refocus the human aspect of service from functionality, to surprise and delight.
Workshop Question - How can your brand employ the use of technology as a tool to empower its consumers or employees?
Trend Themes
1. Robotic Service Staff - Using robots as a replacement for hotel staff is a rising trend with huge potential for efficiency and cost-saving.
2. Self-service Offerings - Hotels are adopting self-service check-ins, keyless entries, and other personalized services as part of their communal trend toward offering increased accessibility and convenience.
3. Cloud-based Management Systems - Hotels are adopting cloud-based management systems that connect with mobile apps, allowing visitors to conveniently check in to rooms without having to consult a traditional concierge or front desk staff.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly as it adopts robotic technology as part of its service offerings.
2. Artificial Intelligence - Artificial intelligence systems, such as IBM's Watson cognitive computing technology, are being used to personalize services and add value for consumers.
3. Cloud Computing - The use of cloud-based management systems is becoming increasingly popular in the hotel industry to provide guests with convenient, self-service offerings and enable them to access hotel features through mobile devices.
