Robots on Pandemic Duty Cleaning Hotels

As hotels step up cleaning and disinfection measures to keep their guests healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff are getting a helping hand from robots.

California and Texas hotels are using robots to assist bellhops and housekeepers, USA Today reports. At several Hilton and Marriot hotels across California, guests use an app on their mobile phone to ask for extra towels. When their phone alerts them that their delivery is ready, they find a 3-foot robot bellhop at their door with their extra linens.

At one Marriott hotel, Rosé, known as the social distancing robot ambassador, will bring you anything you need: wine, pillows, towels, and groceries. The robot is sanitized after each delivery. However, the robot can’t carry luggage, make beds, or take reservations.

In addition to delivery services, hotel robots are assisting with the intense cleaning regimes guests now expect. In Texas, the Westin Houston Medical Center hotel added two virus-zapping robots in March. Used in hospitals, these robots emit broad-spectrum ultraviolet light to destroy viruses and bacteria within minutes. They do not replace the hotel’s regular cleaning protocols. Rather, they go into rooms after the housekeepers leave and provide a second disinfection.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and The Beverly Hilton in California are also using these robots in each guest room, as well as in public restrooms, elevators, kitchens, and meeting rooms. They will also disinfect guest luggage.

Read about other ways robots are helping the cleaning and hospitality industries.