AI threatened Hollywood writers, now hospitality jobs are at stake

Robots of all kinds caused a stir on the show floor at the annual Consumer Electronics Show technology trade show in Las Vegas

Robotics in the hospitality industry has been on the radar for years. The difference now is the combination of artificial intelligence and robotics. Experts say that breakthrough in AI technology has forced labor unions to rethink how they negotiate with companies.

Key takeaways

• There was plenty new on the show floor: Friendly-faced robots that complete deliveries in hotels and restaurants. A robotic masseuse. Bots that can prepare and serve coffee or ice cream. AI-powered smart grills that can handle tasks like broiling and searing without a human in the kitchen;
• AI poses a real threat to hospitality jobs that don’t require face-to-face interaction with guests - housekeeping, food preparation and cooks, for example;
• When the industry doesn’t have to worry about the effect on customer service, then that takes a lot of the risk out of automation.

Get the full story at the Boston Herald