Most U.S. hotels won’t get robots anytime soon. But it’s not because the robots aren’t up to the job.
IHG has deployed robots at dozens and dozens of its hotels in China, where they are performing well on tasks such as room service and basic cleaning.
But! IHG is reluctant to bring them to the U.S. because American guests might harm or otherwise damage them, says Cynthia Czabala of IHG.
Josh Dow of Wyndham has the same view. He visited China last winter and was also impressed by the robot tech — and he says he doesn’t think Americans would respect the machinery either.
It’s an interesting cultural commentary. 🤣
I learned all this at the Destination & AI conference, expertly run by rising star Nazpari Aydin, on a panel deftly moderated by Stuart Greif, with anchor emceeing by the inimitable David Eisen.
