The hospitality industry has long been known for its commitment to providing excellent customer service. In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have led to an increasing use of AI in the hospitality industry to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency. This article will explore the current and future use of AI in the hospitality industry, with a focus on AI concierge, automation in hotels, and EV chargers.
AI Concierge: The Future Is Now
One of the most visible applications of AI technology in the hospitality industry is the use of AI concierge. AI concierge can perform a variety of tasks, such as recommending local restaurants, booking reservations, and providing directions. The technology is able to understand natural language processing (NLP), which allows customers to interact with it in a way that is similar to how they would interact with a human concierge.
The advantages of AI concierge over human concierge are significant. AI concierge can provide personalized recommendations based on a customer’s preferences, such as dietary restrictions or preferred activities. Additionally, AI concierge is available 24/7, which allows customers to receive assistance at any time. This is particularly beneficial for international travelers who may have difficulty adjusting to time differences.
Looking to the future, trends in AI concierge technology include voice recognition, which will allow customers to interact with AI concierge using voice commands. This technology is already being used in some hotels and is expected to become more common in the future. Additionally, AI concierge is expected to become more personalized, utilizing machine learning algorithms to learn a customer’s preferences over time.
Examples of AI Concierge in Hotels
There are many examples of AI concierge services currently being used in the hospitality industry, with various hotels and companies implementing their own unique technology.
One such example is the Henn-na Hotel in Japan, which uses robots as AI concierge. The robots are able to provide recommendations for local activities and services, as well as perform basic tasks such as checking in guests.
Another example is the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, which uses a chatbot as an AI concierge. The chatbot is able to provide recommendations for local restaurants, shops, and activities, as well as book reservations and arrange transportation.
Marriott International has also implemented an AI concierge service in some of its hotels, called “ChatBotlr.” The service allows guests to use a mobile device or web browser to communicate with the hotel’s AI-powered chatbot to request services or ask for recommendations.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas uses a virtual assistant called “Rose,” which guests can interact with through a tablet in their room or through a mobile app. Rose can provide recommendations for local activities and services, as well as control various features in the guest’s room, such as lighting and temperature.
Other examples of hotels using AI concierge services include the Aloft Hotel, which uses a robot as a butler to deliver room service, and the InterContinental Hotels Group, which uses an AI-powered voice assistant to provide guests with personalized recommendations and services.
Overall, AI concierge services are becoming increasingly common in the hospitality industry, with many hotels and companies implementing their own unique technology to enhance the guest experience.
Automation in Hotels: Now and in the Future
Another area where AI is being utilized in the hospitality industry is automation. Automation technology can be used for a variety of tasks, such as check-in kiosks, automated room service, and even robots for housekeeping. The advantages of automation in hotels include reducing labor costs and improving operational efficiency. This is particularly important in the hospitality industry, where labor costs can account for a significant portion of operating expenses.
In addition to the current use of automation technology in hotels, there are several future trends to watch. One trend is the use of AI-powered maintenance. This technology would allow hotels to identify potential maintenance issues before they become problems, reducing the need for reactive maintenance. Another trend is the use of robots for housekeeping. This technology is still in the early stages, but it has the potential to greatly reduce the time and labor required for housekeeping tasks.
EV Chargers in Hotels: Lots of Parking Spots means lots of EVs
A third area where AI technology is being utilized in the hospitality industry is the use of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, hotels are increasingly offering EV chargers as a way to attract eco-conscious travelers. Currently, hotels are using a variety of charging infrastructure, including standard charging stations and Tesla Superchargers.
Looking to the future, there are several trends in EV charger technology to watch. One trend is the use of wireless charging. This technology allows EVs to charge without being physically connected to a charging station, which could greatly increase the convenience of EV charging. Another trend is the use of solar-powered charging stations. These charging stations would use solar panels to generate electricity, reducing the carbon footprint of EV charging.
Growth of EV Chargers in Hospitality
The expected growth in the number of EV chargers at hotels over the next 10 years varies by region and is dependent on a number of factors, such as government incentives, consumer demand for electric vehicles, and hotel industry adoption of EV charger infrastructure. However, there are some estimates that provide a general idea of the expected growth in EV charger installations.
According to a report by Navigant Research, the global market for EV charging equipment is expected to grow from 1.4 million units in 2017 to 12.7 million units in 2027. This growth is expected to be driven by increased consumer demand for electric vehicles, as well as government incentives and regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In terms of the hospitality industry specifically, a report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) estimated that the number of EV chargers at hotels in the United States could grow from approximately 12,000 in 2019 to over 145,000 by 2025. This estimate is based on the assumption that the adoption of electric vehicles will continue to grow, and that hotels will increasingly view EV chargers as a way to attract eco-conscious travelers.
In Europe, a report by IHS Markit estimated that the number of public EV chargers is expected to reach 3.1 million by 2030, up from 200,000 in 2019. While the report did not specifically address the hospitality industry, it is likely that a portion of this growth will occur at hotels.
Overall, while the exact growth in the number of EV chargers at hotels over the next 10 years is difficult to predict, it is clear that the adoption of electric vehicles is expected to continue to grow, and that hotels are likely to increasingly view EV chargers as a way to attract eco-conscious travelers. Just as it is possible to make semi-passive income with vending machines, it will be possible to own the EV chargers at a hotel to generate semi-passive income from the sale of electricity to EV drivers, and AI will help manage this semi-passive income stream.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of AI technology in the hospitality industry is increasing, with AI concierge, automation in hotels, and EV chargers being areas of focus. The advantages of AI technology include improved customer experiences and improved operational efficiency. Looking to the future, trends in AI technology include voice recognition, personalized recommendations, AI-powered maintenance, robots for housekeeping, wireless charging, and solar-powered charging stations. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the use of AI technology is expected to become increasingly important.
