A Total Hospitality Solution

We’ve touched on numerous use cases for service robots over the past year and explored the diverse capabilities that make them beneficial for a wide variety of businesses and facilities. Because we’ve discussed so many industries, we’d like to take some time to revisit some of the more complex scenarios. First up–casinos.

 

Casinos are a unique and complex use case in that each facility houses several separate yet interconnected business units under one roof. These include not only the casino floor, but various restaurants, multiple bar and lounge areas, spa and health club facilities, and often, a full-service hotel. With the average US casino clocking in at more than 50,000 square feet, that’s a lot of moving parts that must come together seamlessly to maintain profitable operations and guest loyalty. 

 

Now consider the fact that few sectors of the economy have been harder hit by labor shortages than the hospitality and service industry, and it’s clear that casinos are prime venues for the incorporation of labor-saving automation. Autonomous service robots can help improve guest experience and employee morale by automating repetitive tasks throughout a casino. 

 

The large footprint and high traffic level of most casinos means that a significant portion of employee and vendor resources must be allocated to keeping the space clean. But with an ongoing shortage of janitorial workers affecting nearly every industry, automated cleaning solutions are a smart way to offload some incredibly time-consuming and repetitive cleaning tasks that still need to get done, no matter what. 

 

Floor cleaning BoTs like CC1 and CC3 can multiply the cleaning power of housekeeping staff by autonomously sweeping, vacuuming and scrubbing both carpeted and hard floor areas. While an experienced cleaner can cover a bit over 2,000 square feet per hour, these robots can clean 5-7 times as much over the same period. They automatically charge themselves and can empty dirty water and self-fill with clean water. Advanced object avoidance technology means they are safe to operate around guests and throughout the facility, 24/7. They also provide something not easily sourced from human custodial staff–hard data. Equipped with sensors and integrated into cloud-based tracking and scheduling platforms, these robots provide the ultimate in cleaning transparency.

 

For deep cleaning and sanitation, human housekeeping staff can be greatly assisted by disinfection robots like the Puductor2 and BubbleFish. These BoTs use medical grade dry-mist and UV-C technology to disinfect the air and surfaces on a consistent basis. They’re a great addition to HVAC-integrated air purifier systems and also provide a visible sign that a casino is doing everything possible to promote cleanliness and safety. All of these BoTs are a highly effective way to ensure consistent and thorough cleanliness while saving on labor costs, supplementing valuable janitorial and housekeeping staff, and providing peace of mind to guests.

 

Some of the most popular service robots were created specifically for the restaurant industry, where they can be seen helping waitstaff expedite food, guiding people to their tables or running dirty dishes back to the kitchen/dish station. Casinos, which frequently contain multiple restaurants and food service locations, are in many ways an even more ideal setting for these types of hospitality robots. Their larger footprint means more room for robots to operate, and the consistency with which robots work means fewer steps for servers who might be attempting to wait on patrons at several locations per shift. 

 

While nothing can replace the conversational flair and personal care of dedicated waitstaff, saving the repetitive, less interactive work for robots can actually make servers better at their jobs and increase tips. A robot like BellaBoT, for example, can run food to tables the minute it’s ready, even if the server is tied up taking another group’s order. The BoT’s integrated table locator system means it knows exactly where to go, and won’t get in anyone’s way while getting there, thanks to the same LIDAR technology used by autonomous vehicles. 

 

And when it’s time to clear tables, BoTs like BellaBoT or the heavy-duty HolaBoT can save waitstaff even more time. By meeting staff members at tables in need of bussing, HolaBoT can hold up to 120 lbs of dirty dishes and deliver them back to the kitchen or dish station. No heavy trays or tubs for anyone to carry. The HolaBoT can be operated by smartwatch and touchless swipe, making the BoT easy to use even when they’re in the weeds. 

 

Casinos have delivery needs that aren’t limited to dining areas. Room service is usually part of the hotel’s operations, and requires dedicated staff members to liaise between the kitchen and guest rooms. Add in outside food deliveries that need to be taken up to guest rooms, and that’s a lot of time and steps  on simple delivery errands. Luckily, specialized delivery BoTs with secure compartments can help relieve some of this pressure from staff. Robots like the W3, FlashBoT and SwiftBoT integrate with elevators and automatic doors to make all kinds of deliveries a breeze—room service, outside food orders, toiletries or any other guest item. And guests can feel confident that their items will stay secure en route thanks to the BoT’s passcode protection.

 

Guest experience is really what it’s all about when it comes to casinos or any hospitality business. Today’s guests, and younger generations in particular, are used to getting everything they need with a click or swipe, and expect a similar level of efficiency in hospitality settings. However, casinos have to up the game even further by providing an immersive, entertaining experience, and robots can easily be a part of that. 

 

Service BoTs like KettyBoT and TemiBoT can help out in concierge areas by assisting with check-in or dinner reservations, answering questions about the venue or physically guiding guests to a desired location. KettyBoT is also great on the casino floor as a fun and novel drink delivery assistant that can display ads or event information as it cruises the space. AI-powered TemiBot combines hosting and wayfinding, hotel check-in, player rewards clubs, restaurant ordering, and general information in one efficient unit. These types of hosting robots augment guest services and concierge staff by taking on repetitive tasks yet still offering a dazzling customer experience. Guests enjoy a sense of personalized care and will delight at the technology on display. 

 

These days, hospitality-focused venues don’t fare well without incorporating at least some technology into the customer experience. In a hospitality setting, novel technology is often synonymous with luxury. As casinos continue to transform and market themselves as luxurious full-service entertainment destinations, what better way to up the ante than by incorporating the latest in hospitality technology. Automating aspects of cleaning and maintenance, food and beverage, and guest services ensures that a casino can provide a world-class customer experience 24/7. 

 

Interested in exploring autonomous robotic solutions for casinos? Get in touch today!