Sponsored By Bear Robotics
The hospitality sector has seen some remarkable changes in the last several years. Prompted in part by the pandemic, many restaurants have had to reimagine agility and efficiency in the face of staffing shortages, cost increases, and demand fluctuations.
As we enter 2023, the industry is more evolved than ever. Businesses are completely reimagining the way they interact with guests through contactless technologies, artificial intelligence integrations, and digital guest experiences. In the service sector, automation is increasingly playing a larger role. In fact, the World Economic Forum found that investment in automation equipment grew 26% from the second quarter of 2020 to 2021.
Robotics to the Rescue
One of the ways automation is becoming increasingly prevalent is through robotics. Even outside the hospitality space, robots are getting faster, smarter, and more advanced. They’re also becoming incredibly popular.
The Association for Advancing Automation found that 44,196 robots were ordered for North American companies in 2022. This represents an 11% increase over 2021. And while about half of these purchases were from the auto industry, the service industry has experienced a similar need for automation.
Workflow Optimization
No matter where automation is being introduced, the main objective should always be to help humans excel at a higher rate. This technology should be viewed and utilized as any other tool such as a calculator or computer and never be employed as a means to totally replace human workers. Sure, automation is excellent for filling in the gaps where staffing shortages put a strain on workers but technology can’t replace authentic human interactions in the hospitality space.
Therefore, there needs to exist a synthesis between employees and automation for it to truly perform to its potential. In the service sector, workflow optimization is key. Learning the nuances of an efficient service flow and identifying opportunities for automation should be on the minds of many restauranters, hoteliers, stadium managers, and beyond. Especially now that costs are rising and competition is heating up, automation could be the most effective way to enhance operations, elevate guest experiences, and ease the burdens of labor headaches.
Thankfully, there are innovators looking closely into these areas and they’re bringing about solutions that not only help close the gaps in service but also empower employees to excel at their highest potential.
Creating Superior Service
Bear Robotics is on a mission to elevate hospitality by automating the hustle behind it. Their philosophy is as simple as it is sound – if you take the food running, drink dashing, and dish carting out of the service equation, servers are able to focus more on guests, provide a higher level of service, and ultimately even make better tips.
Creating effective automation solutions means maintaining close relationships to the industry and innovating solutions for real-world needs. This is evident in the company’s latest release, Servi+. This robot was designed in direct reaction to market demands. It features an increased 16+ dish capacity, expanded 88lb payload, and enhanced suspension for transporting liquids and traversing ramps.
Of course, even the most advanced automation tools are just that – tools. It’s the humans who elevate guest experiences.
A Human Approach to Automation
Bear Robotics’ human-centered solutions are precisely what the hospitality industry should strive for. Rather than relying on robotics to replace human capital, leveraging automation to improve working conditions and allow servers to sharpen their soft skills will ultimately make for optimum service and superior guest experiences.
In this industry, everything should be interpreted from the perspective of our guests. And no matter how far automation comes, humans will always want to interact with other humans. By organizing workflows to allow humans the ability to be more present, automation can truly make a positive impact on the people who use it and the patrons who benefit from it.
