INSTEAD OF WALKING AROUND AND LOOKING FOR an information desk, a friendly robot who can communicate in multiple languages is making its way around an airport terminal, shopping center or hospital reception. And when arriving at a hotel, there’s now an AI-powered robo-concierge to assist you with everything from room service to check-in. It sounds far-fetched but cobots, or collaborative robots, are one of the fastest growing segments of industrial automation worldwide. According to Report Ocean insights, the global cobot market is expected to reach $4,925 million by 2030.
“Robotics and mechatronics are on the rise in Africa,” says Martine Solomon, a non-executive director at Forge Academy, a 4IR institution where cobot training programs are the norm.
“The inclusion of cobots into the modern workplace will do wonders for employees in the manufacturing industry wanting to increase their productivity, efficiencies and quality assurance. Cobots will not tire during physical activities and their concentration levels won’t drop. As a result, they make for an excellent partner on the job.”
Hotel Sky is the first African hotel chain to introduce robot staff. With locations both in Cape Town and Johannesburg, each property has a team of robots and Tony Maia, Bright Horse IT Automation’s founder, was tasked with sourcing Hotel Sky’s unique technology requirements.
“The robots work alongside their human colleagues but were never intended to replace them,” says Maia. “If people are inclined to stand in front of a robot and speak to a machine, they can play a very good concierge role… provided you have the patience as conversing with a robot is a little bit slower than a human.” Hotel Sky’s robots work in conjunction with a bespoke app that guests download upon arrival and use as a mobile keycard. While the robot staff do provide some entertainment value, they complement the workload of the staff by carrying bags, delivering room service and, for those who prefer to social distance, offer a safer alternative by limiting human-to- human communication. “There is a footprint of robotics in the logistics, education and healthcare sectors, especially when it comes to hygiene, but cobots definitely have a role to play in hospitality too,” he says.
