The robot will seat you now: The MENA hospitality sector puts automatons to work
Hospitality businesses in the Middle East are using robots to meet staff shortages, improve productivity and drive competitive advantages in a notoriously low-margin industry.
At the Souq Madinat Jumeirah branch of The Noodle House in Dubai, the reception and food-delivery automaton Kettybot has been meeting and greeting diners for more than a year. A second Kettybot was rolled out at the chain’s City Walk outlet recently.
“Robots in the hospitality industry are becoming increasingly popular. They are being used to enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and streamline various tasks,” said Manoj Ganapathy, Division Manager of the Visitors Management & Robotics Division at Jacky’s Business Solutions, the company that markets Kettybot and another half dozen robots to the Middle East.
Delivery robots were an easy fix for contactless and hands-free operations during the pandemic, he added. New iterations are being programmed to help in other ways, such as interacting with guests as a mobile information point.
“Robots can also contribute to the overall ambiance and futuristic feel of an establishment. They can attract attention and leave a lasting impression on guests, enhancing their overall experience,” Ganapathy said.
Robots can be used in hospitality functions such as concierge and customer services, food preparation and delivery, cleaning, security and even wellness.
