Future Timelines for the Extinction and Adpotion of New Technology in Hotels with Particular Reference to the Future Use of Service and Sexual Service Robots: A Manager's Perspective

Abstract

Hotels have always been quick to adopt emerging technology; last century it was elevators, telephones and television, today it is wi-fi, ipad docks and adult movies. Through two focus groups of hotel managers, three scenarios were explored: the extinction of existing technology in the known future (next 10 years), the adoption of emerging new technology in the foreseeable future (10-20 years) and in the far future (20+ years) the emergence of advance technology, particularly in the provision of robots. The study explored the likelihood of robots providing a more active role in hotels in the future, by undertaking functions such as front office services, but it also investigated possible future use of sexual service robots, and the challenges this will present to hotel managers. The study concluded that service robots in hotels might become common, while the provision of sexual service robots will be a niche market, constrained by the norms of society.