The hospitality industry is abuzz with the growing trend of robots delivering food, a tech-driven innovation that has captured global attention. A viral video by Australian travel vlogger Josie has further fueled this fascination. Josie shared her unique experience of receiving a meal delivered by a robot while staying at a hotel in China, sparking widespread discussions on social media.
In her Instagram reel, Josie eagerly awaited her food delivery, only to be greeted by a waist-high robot gliding down the hallway, its headlights shining. The robot, designed with an internal compartment, smoothly slid open its “head” to reveal her meal. Curious, Josie tested the robot’s functionality by closing the door to see if it would ring the bell. Instead, she received another call confirming the food was at her doorstep. Sharing the reel, she captioned, “This is how you get your food delivered in China. Would you prefer this or human delivery?”
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The video, which has amassed over two million views, drew mixed reactions from viewers. Many praised the innovation, while others voiced concerns about job losses. One user remarked, “Another person out of work!” Meanwhile, some added humor to the conversation, joking about tipping the robot or imagining it turning into “Robocop” if someone attempted to steal it.
Although robotic service in hotels isn’t entirely new, such videos continue to shine a spotlight on the rise of automation in hospitality. A similar clip from a Shanghai hotel went viral in March, further highlighting the trend. The automation movement gained momentum in China following President Xi Jinping’s 2014 call for a “robot revolution.” Since then, robots have increasingly been employed in various industries, from hospitality to manufacturing, raising debates about their impact on jobs and the future of human-centered service.
The buzz surrounding Josie’s video reflects the excitement and concerns around this shift. Whether robots are seen as a convenient innovation or a threat to jobs, their presence in the industry is undeniably shaping its future.
