t is incredible what technological developments have been accomplished in the past 60 years. Over the next 60 years, rapid advancement is expected to continue, and one area where this may be realized is with more widespread use of robots in the workforce.

Robots are electromechanical devices capable of performing autonomous or preprogrammed tasks. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. The major classes of robots are robotic arms and autonomous/mobile robots. Robotic arms are fixed in place but can reach and manipulate parts and tools. Autonomous/mobile robots are able to move around the work space to accomplish tasks.

Real, working, sophisticated robots, including robotic arms and mobile robots, are in use today and are revolutionizing the workplace. Robots have the potential to change our economy, our health, our standard of living, our knowledge, and the world in which we live. As the technology progresses, we are finding new ways to use robots.

Automotive manufacturers were the first to use robots, and they still represent the majority of industrial robot users. Further, automotive manufacturers are still the driving force behind using robots in the workforce. These robots perform tasks workers should not or cannot do continuously such as welding, painting, heating, cutting, grinding, assembly, and other applications.

Once robots start arriving in the job market in significant numbers, they have the potential to dramatically change the world economy. Most major manufacturers will likely begin implementing robots at approximately the same time. Other industries, such as fast food, construction, transportation, warehousing, etc, will begin automating with robots as well. Hotels can also benefit from using robotic technology.

Dynamic and rapid changes in corporate and ownership structures within the hospitality industry have resulted in hospitality companies being forced to employ technology in new and more productive ways. Guest-operated devices, such as in-room movies, check-out kiosks, and automated mini bars, are primarily intended to make guests’ stays more convenient. At the same time, they streamline operation of the hotel and can generate additional revenues and reduce expenses. If more people use the kiosk checkout option, for instance, the front desk is less congested and fewer employees may be needed.

If introduced correctly, robots can reduce labor costs and improve the quality of life for hotel employees by freeing them from dirty, boring and dangerous tasks. Some possible areas where robotic applications could be used in hotel F&B in the immediate future include:

• Bartender—to mix and serve drinks, make coffee at large banquets, etc.
• Server—to serve and replenish party food
• Busboy—to load and empty dishwashers

Robots are useful for both work and entertainment, and they will be used more extensively in the future. Robots can contribute to improved productivity, quality, profitability and, indeed, survival, and should be an integral part of every manufacturing, service, and business strategy.

The hospitality industry must embrace this cutting- edge technology to improve productivity. Hospitality industry executives should recognize the significant changes occurring in how business is being conducted in the new millennium, and they must begin planning how to respond.

With the fast-changing technological developments in the highly competitive hospitality industry, it is up to hospitality executives to provide the vision for how robotics technology can be used now and in the future, the resources necessary for implementation, and the motivation to make it happen.

Frederick J. DeMicco, Ph.D, is professor and ARAMARK chair of Hotel & Restaurant Management, the University of Delaware. Contact Dr. DeMicco at fdemicco@udel.edu.