[HOLD] Hotel robots: How technology is changing the industry in Nairobi
Melili Hotel in South B, Nairobi, is leveraging robots to enhance guest experiences and reduce operational costs by performing tasks traditionally assigned to humans thereby freeing them up for other engagements.
Robots and automation have become great solutions to labour shortages and the execution of repetitive tasks, prompting business managers to embrace the innovations. At Melili and other locations in Nairobi, they are used as food runners and at the entrances, to greet guests or say goodbye to them.
"We are using the devices to our hotel's advantage and they are helping meet guests' needs more efficiently," said Marketing Manager Israel Ngoma. "The innovation has given the hotel a competitive edge, enabling staff to focus on more personalised service. It executes tasks more efficiently, helping with streamlining operations."
The technology assists front-of-house staff by quickly moving to and from the kitchen, for instance, improving the guest experience, especially in terms of quick service, but is not self-sufficient as staff must input orders, direct them, and load and offload dishes.
Ngoma explained that robots, which were once prohibitively expensive, have now become commonplace due to a big drop in their costs.
"Although they used to be costly, robots have become a part of our everyday lives thanks to the closure of the cost gap," he said.
Silicon Savannah
Kenya has been making notable progress in adopting robot technology in various sectors, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Its startup ecosystem, particularly in Nairobi's Silicon Savannah, is driving robotic innovation. Tech hubs and incubators have been supporting startups in the development of locally relevant robotic solutions.
In terms of laws governing the advancements, the National Assembly is reviewing the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill, 2023.
The proposed legislation seeks to create a regulatory framework for the development, application, and ethical governance of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in Kenya. It was introduced to Parliament through a citizen petition, Public Petition No. 75 of 2023, filed by Fred Ondieki Sakwe.
The bill details the formation of the Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society, its roles, powers, and organisational structure and also proposes that practitioners and entities be registered and licensed by the Society.
The proposed legislation that is before the National Assembly's Communication, Information, and Innovation (CII) Committee includes several key initiatives. It will establish a corporate body with the ability to sue, acquire property, and enter into contracts.
The legislation aims to promote research and development in robotics and artificial intelligence, provide training and education in these fields, and support the use of robotics and AI for social and economic development.
Youth challenge
To encourage innovation by the youth, the country will host the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge in October.
It is a UN-based educational robotics championship held every two years to showcase technology use for disaster response, inspired by a global challenge that encourages robots to provide practical solutions in support of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The challenge is appropriate as the World Economic Forum (WEF) forecasts that by 2025, machines will perform more tasks than humans, who currently cover 71 per cent.
The WEF aims to provide reskilling opportunities, enable remote work, and build safe technologies to protect at-risk workers and communities.
Since 2016, the industrial robotics sector has seen substantial growth, with global robot sales increasing by 16 per cent to a record 294,312 units. The electrical/electronics industry led this growth with a 41 per cent rise in robot adoption, while the automotive sector experienced a more modest 6% increase.
This growth trend, which has been ongoing since 2010, reflects a broader shift towards automation and technological advancements in robotics.
According to Nina Kutzbach, author of the "World Robotics Industrial Robots," the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for robot sales from 2011 to 2016 was 12 per cent, a notable increase compared to the 2005 to 2008 period.
Asia remained the leading market for industrial robots, with sales reaching 190,492 units, a 19 per cent increase, while Europe and the Americas also saw significant growth, with sales rising by 12 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively.
China emerged as the largest market, accounting for 30 per cent of global sales, followed by the Republic of Korea and Japan. The United States and Germany completed the top five markets, together representing 74 per cent of total robot sales.
The demand for automation was driven by the need for electronic products, batteries, chips, and displays. While the automotive industry remained a key player, its growth rate slowed. Other sectors, including metal and machinery, rubber and plastics, and food and beverage, also saw varying levels of increased robot adoption.
The market value of industrial robots surged to $13.1 billion, reflecting their crucial role in enhancing production efficiency and meeting the demands of advancing technology.
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