Use Cases : Events

Whether it's for holiday parties, the launch of a new brand, fun after-work gatherings, or a variety of surprising activities, our robots are here, ready to add a magical and interactive touch to your events! They know how to create a unique bond with your guests, bringing smiles, laughter, and above all, sincere and lasting engagement. Let them liven up your event - they'll make all the difference!

The integration of service robotics in the hospitality and restaurant (H&R) sector is a significant development, primarily driven by long-standing operational challenges and a desire to enhance efficiency and the customer experience. Here is a comprehensive overview of the H&R sector trends, challenges, and technological responses, based on the provided sources: I. Sector Context and Operational Challenges The restaurant industry, particularly in France, is facing notable difficulties that necessitate automation and innovation:

• Labor Shortage: The sector faces widespread recruitment difficulties, with approximately 200,000 vacant positions in H&R reported for the spring/summer of 2025 in France. The COVID-19 crisis led 83% of restaurateurs to review their recruitment strategy.
• Operational Strain: Lack of personnel often forces establishments to refuse reservations and results in team burnout, costly overtime, and staff turnover. The goal for restaurateurs is to serve better and faster without sacrificing the core service experience.
• Physical Health Risks: Employees are exposed to strenuous tasks, such as heavy lifting (portage), which causes musculoskeletal disorders (TMS).

II. The Role and Benefits of Service Robotics Robots are increasingly seen not as replacements but as operational teammates or mechanized complements for repetitive tasks. This strategic investment aims to maintain the promise of hospitality while improving economic balance. Core Functions and Efficiency Gains Robots are designed to take over low-value-added travel, which consumes significant human energy during service.

• Primary Tasks: Robots excel at "portage" (carrying), delivering meals and drinks, "bussing" (clearing tables), and escorting customers.
• Reduced Physical Strain: Robots, such as uServe, can carry up to 40 kg, substantially relieving staff of physical burdens. This use contributes to preserving employee health and acts as a recruitment argument.
• Quantifiable Improvements: A pilot study documented an average reduction of 428 steps per server per service. The utilization of robots can lead to a noticeable decrease in overtime hours (one example showed a reduction from $13,800 to $7,145 month-over-month).
• Staff Focus: By managing micro-journeys, robots allow servers to remain in their zone and dedicate more time to high-value interactions, such as greeting, advising, offering wine, or providing timing for the check. The staff at Le Méridien Étoile could spend more time interacting directly with guests after deploying robots.

Types of Automation Systems The sources distinguish between two main approaches to automated delivery:

1. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs):
2. Technology: These devices, such as the BellaBot (Pudu Robotics), Servi (Bear Robotics), and DinerBot (Keenon Robotics), use advanced sensors, 3D cameras, and navigation algorithms (LiDAR + Visual SLAM) to autonomously plan routes and avoid obstacles in dynamic environments.
3. Design/Features: BellaBot features a cat-themed design, interactive voice features, and can display promotional content on its 18.5-inch screen. The KettyBot is designed for narrow spaces (55 cm).
4. Challenges: AMRs can struggle in complex scenarios like crowded aisles, uneven floors, or environments with multiple stories, potentially requiring manual intervention.
5. Fixed-Rail Systems (e.g., Bullet Train Systems):
6. Technology: These systems rely on fixed tracks to ensure delivery.
7. Advantages: They provide highly reliable delivery, stability (anti-spill design), and consistent speed (delivering food in as little as 3 seconds). They are superior for maximizing seating capacity (potentially doubling it) and handling deliveries across multiple floors.
8. Best Use: Fixed-rail systems are superior for high-traffic or compact spaces where efficiency and predictability are key.

Costs and Return on Investment (ROI) The initial investment for AMRs is high. Models like those from RobotLAB Inc. cost between $15,000 and $50,000 USD, while common Pudu models range from $8,000 to $20,000 USD. In Europe, purchase prices often range from €10,000 to €21,000 HT. However, the investment is considered strategically sound due to long-term returns:

• Leasing/RaaS: Options like Robot as a Service (RAAS) are available, reducing entry barriers. For the uServe robot, leasing starts at €18 per day, or €430 per month for a 3-year commitment, including warranty and support.
• Long-Term Savings: Robots can reduce long-term labor costs by up to 40%.
• Break-Even Point: The return on investment is often attainable if the tool is utilized 6/7 days across both services.

III. Customer Experience and the Human Element The integration of robots must be balanced with human hospitality.

• Service Distinction: Robots should be given clear roles—the machine carries, the human serves. This distinction is crucial for client acceptance and service identity.
• Attractiveness and Brand Image: Robots create a memorable experience for guests, generating a "little show" that is appealing, especially to families and younger customers, and is worthy of sharing on social media.
• The Irreplaceable Human: Human servers provide the essential elements robots cannot replicate: understanding client emotions, offering personalized recommendations, managing special requests, and creating authentic connections.
• Safety and Sanitation: The use of AMRs minimizes sanitary concerns by providing contactless service, which has been a key advantage since the pandemic.
• Social Inclusion Innovation: In Japan, the Meta Avatar Robot Café uses robots and avatars piloted by bedridden employees to engage with clients, offering a way for people with disabilities to regain a social role and professional purpose.

IV. Regulatory Environment New European regulations are emerging to support the development and safe deployment of autonomous machines:

• New Machine Regulation (2027): A new European machine regulation was published at the end of 2023, set to be applied in January 2027. This framework aims to provide clearer and more precise guidelines for the use and development of autonomous robots.
• Safety Requirements: The regulation introduces new health and safety requirements for Autonomous Mobile Machines. The robot must be able to ensure its own safety, manage its task autonomously, and adapt the human-machine interface to the predictable characteristics of the operators.
• Manufacturer Responsibility: Any person or entity making a substantial modification to a machine is considered a manufacturer and must ensure conformity with safety requirements.