Robotics Revolutionizing Hospitality in Canada

The adoption of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the global hospitality industry is rapidly gaining traction, but Canada is still in its nascent stages of integrating these technologies.

Greg Staley from E-Pro Bot Inc., representing KEENON Robotics, emphasizes Canada’s emerging interest in robotics. KEENON, with its Butlerbot, has been pivotal in deploying unmanned delivery robots worldwide, including hotels. These robots ensure secure, contactless delivery of bedding, food, and amenities, promoting safety and privacy.

In contrast to more advanced markets like China, Japan, and Korea, where hotel robots are commonplace, Canada has only recently introduced restaurant robots. This shift necessitates educating Canadian clientele on the safety, functionality, and profitability of these innovations.

Relay Robotics, based in California, has successfully integrated its Relay2 robots into Canadian ski resorts, golf clubs, and Montreal’s Hotel Monville. These fully autonomous robots enhance guest experiences by delivering food, beverages, and housekeeping items directly to guestrooms. The robots’ “mingle” feature allows them to engage with guests, contributing to a contact-free service environment.

Despite Canada’s slower adoption, the global market for hospitality robots, valued at approximately US$300 million in 2022, is projected to soar to US$3,100 million by 2030. This growth is driven by efficiency gains, cost savings, and addressing labor shortages within the industry.