Check-in with the future: Hotel robots inspire in Bochum

The future at your fingertips: Under the motto _"New generation hotel robots in action"_, Event Hotels and Giobotics showed how innovative service robots enrich everyday hotel life at the Mercure Hotel Bochum City. The focus was on the cooperation between man and machine in the modern hotel industry - experienced live through intelligent service robots in the minibar, cleaning and catering areas. The robots not only have functional tasks, but also individual names that give them a personal touch. In the Mercure Hotel Bochum City, for example, there is the F&B robot "Lore", based on former mining times.

"Our guests respond enthusiastically - many see the robot as an experience and real added value," says André Wagner, General Manager of the Mercure Hotel Bochum City. Families and business travelers in particular appreciate the contactless support that is available at all times. According to Wagner, employees are also relieved: "Our teams can concentrate more on personal service - monotonous, physically demanding tasks are taken over by the technology."

In his keynote speech, Gerald Scheurmann-Kettner, CIO of Event Hotels, emphasized the strategic importance of automation: "Robots are not a gimmick, but an answer to the major challenges facing the industry - from the shortage of skilled workers to increasing pressure to improve efficiency." Particularly important here is the interaction with employees, who, as "robot buddies", ensure optimal processes with expertise and sensitivity.

"With over 900 active robots in Germany and more than 20 million square meters cleaned in 2024, it is clear that service robots are a real added value for the hospitality industry," says Dennis Dehring, Managing Director of Giobotics. "We want to show how technology is already solving real problems today - efficiently, reliably and in harmony with people."

Jeeves: Minibar robot with elevator use

Jeeves, the charming minibar robot, delivers snacks, drinks and toiletries directly to hotel rooms around the clock. The robot navigates independently through the hotel, uses elevators and delivers products such as cola, water, red wine and local snacks directly to the room door. Guests can place an order via the room telephone or the robot itself, which is delivered contactlessly. "Jeeves is particularly popular with families and tech-savvy guests and is often cited as the highlight of their stay," says André Wagner.

BellaBot & HolaBot: Efficient support in the restaurant

In the restaurant area, BellaBot and HolaBot support the service staff with the delivery and clearing of food and dishes - especially at peak times or with large groups. BellaBot can deliver food and drinks to the table. Thanks to intelligent sensor technology, it recognizes whether an order has been taken, pauses when there are obstacles and interacts with guests in a friendly manner. Three different service concepts allow flexible integration into existing processes or digital ordering systems. The individual design makes BellaBot an instant crowd pleaser - especially with children. HolaBot specializes in clearing the table: With a load capacity of up to 60 kilos, it transports four clearing trays or up to eight trays at a time. It is called to the table via a call receiver, loaded and then moves independently to the scullery. As an option, a special clearing station facilitates the pre-sorted transfer. This relieves staff and improves ergonomics and processes in the kitchen area.

Feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive. Some concerns about the loss of jobs have been refuted by hotel managers: "The robots support - but do not replace. They allow more time for personal service.

Pudu CC1: Autonomous corridor cleaning with elevator connection over 14 floors

The Pudu cleaning robot takes over the vacuuming of the hotel corridors at the Mercure Hotel Bochum. With an operating time of around 2.5 to 3 hours a day, the Pudu CC1 ensures a consistently high cleaning quality, whereby the uniform and precise cleaning of the hotel corridors is particularly emphasized. Only the edges of the corridors require additional manual rework every week. The ability to automate repetitive tasks with the robot allows staff to focus on more demanding service tasks, further improving the guest experience. Of particular note here is the fact that the PUDU CC1 cleans the corridors independently across all 14 floors of the hotel thanks to its connectivity to the elevator, thus relieving the housekeeping team and improving cleaning quality at the same time.

Future prospects and challenges

The technological advantage sets the Mercure Hotel Bochum apart from the competition and appeals to new target groups. Service robots offer answers to the shortage of skilled workers and efficiency pressure - however, technical reliability remains just as crucial as acceptance by guests. In the long term, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages: increased efficiency, relieved teams, cost savings and a modern, innovative hotel experience.

A strong partnership with prospects

Event Hotels and Giobotics have been working together successfully since 2023. A pilot project turned into a model for the future: today, more than 60 F&B robots and several cleaning robots are already in use in various hotels - with demonstrably positive feedback from guests and employees. "This technology creates space for real, human service," says Gerald Scheurmann-Kettner.

About Event Hotels

Event Hotels, headquartered in Cologne, owns and operates almost 60 business and city hotels at over 40 locations in Europe under the names of renowned international hotel brands. Event Hotels are hosts from the heart and, as the leading white-label hotel operator, not only manage hotels in the operational business, but also invest in real estate together with partners, work out potentials and thus shape the hotel landscape for a temporary home. Event Hotels has been developing innovative solutions for the hotel and hospitality industry for more than 30 years in order to create sustainable value today and tomorrow. www.eventhotels.com

About Giobotics

Giobotics, headquartered in Kiel, is part of Giovanni L. Produktions- & Handelsgesellschaft. For almost two decades, the company has been shaping the international scene as a leading manufacturer of premium gelato and operator of ice cream cafés. During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019, the company's existence was at stake due to a shortage of skilled labor. The solution was found through the use of service and cleaning robots, which were originally designed for use in the cafés. However, it was quickly realized that they could also help other industries. Giobotics' drive is to offer innovative solutions to the shortage of skilled workers in all industries. The company stands for trust and experience, and its promise to customers is that it only offers products that the company itself has used or tested in its own operations. www.giobotics.de

Further press photos for download (Copyright: Anne Wirtz)

https://www.primo-pr.com/de/bildarchiv/index.html?dir=event_hotels

primo PR
Nuray Güler
n.gueler@primo-pr.com
www.primo-pr.com
Germany

About Event Hotels
Event Hotels, headquartered in Cologne, owns and operates almost 60 business and city hotels in over 40 locations in Europe under the names of renowned international hotel brands. Event Hotels are hosts from the heart and, as the leading white-label hotel operator, not only manage hotels in the operational business, but also invest in real estate together with partners, work out potentials and thus shape the hotel landscape for a temporary home. Event Hotels has been developing innovative solutions for the hotel and hospitality industry for more than 30 years in order to create sustainable value today and tomorrow. www.eventhotels.com
About Giobotics
Giobotics, headquartered in Kiel, is part of Giovanni L. Produktions- & Handelsgesellschaft. For almost two decades, the company has been shaping the international scene as a leading manufacturer of premium gelato and operator of ice cream cafés. During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019, the company's existence was at stake due to a shortage of skilled labor. The solution was found through the use of service and cleaning robots, which were originally designed for use in the cafés. However, it was quickly realized that they could also help other industries. Giobotics' drive is to offer innovative solutions to the shortage of skilled workers in all industries. The company stands for trust and experience, and its promise to customers is that it only offers products that the company itself has used or tested in its own operations. www.giobotics.de

This release was published on openPR.