Photo: Shutterstock Room service takes on a new meaning: NASDAQ-listed technology company YYForce announced today (October 30) the commercial operation of a fleet of autonomous service robots at the Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens hotel complexes in Singapore.
Under a 24-month agreement, the complex will integrate 11 robots designed for guest room deliveries, item transfers and logistics tasks between floors.
According to the company, the fleet will integrate into ongoing service and housekeeping processes to streamline work and shorten travel times for daily tasks.
The robots' most notable ability is to move between floors independently. By connecting to the elevator systems, they are able to order an elevator and proceed to their destination throughout the complex, which includes several towers. This means that delivery does not require an employee to accompany the robot on each transition between floors.
In addition to autonomous navigation, the robots also connect to the hotels' telephony and switchboard systems. The connection allows for automatic messaging directly to guests in their rooms and real-time operational coordination between the systems.
The project operates under a “robotics-as-a-service” model: hotels receive the service under a commercial agreement, without the need for an initial investment in purchasing the robot fleet, according to the company. For YYForce, the model allows it to expand its operations through ongoing service engagements.
Mike Po, chairman and CEO of YYForce, said the integration of robots, elevator systems and communication networks into existing work processes is designed to address staffing constraints and improve productivity. He said the project reflects growing demand for the company's solutions in hotels in Southeast Asia.
YYForce sees operating the fleet in Singapore as a foundation for expanding their robotics and automation solutions to hotels and other commercial complexes in the Asia-Pacific region.
The company, which provides workforce management and operations and maintenance solutions that integrate artificial intelligence and robotics, also operates in logistics, healthcare, and commercial real estate. Its announcement did not provide data on actual shortening of service times or changes in the size of the hotel workforce as a result of the project.
"Robotics as a Service," which allows hotels to integrate the technology as part of a commercial agreement, without an initial investment in purchasing the robot fleet, according to the company.
YYForce presents the project as a basis for expanding its operations in the Asia-Pacific hotel industry. The company did not release data on actual service time reductions or the extent of labor savings.