Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour activates robot hotel staff in wake of coronavirus

A couple of Jerry Schwartz's hotel workers, somewhat devoid of the true human touch, have been standing around doing nothing since his hotel opened a few years ago.

But, suddenly, in the midst of a pandemic, he's finally found a role for them.

Originally acquired as a novelty to be deployed in the bar of the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, which Dr Schwartz owns, the two robots will be put to work delivering essential hand-sanitiser to house-guests.

But while the use of robots in hotels is not new, with the Japanese and the Chinese, having mastered the art some time ago, they're no longer a gimmick. In the wake of COVID-19, automation has emerged as an attractive tool in a newly germaphobic world, no less so than in the people-facing hotel business.

In addition to his robots, Dr Schwartz is trailing a brand new check-in and check-out keyless access system while the Sofitel is nearly devoid of guests. Developed in New Zealand by travel technology firm GuestTraction, the robots will allow guests, from the point of arrival to departure, to completely bypass, or socially distance, staff at reception.

"Airlines have been able to introduce seamless booking and check-in via smartphone and I want to replicate that for hotel stays," said Dr Schwartz.

"It has been something I've been pushing for quite a while, long before COVID-19. But the impact of the virus and the move towards social-distancing has made the transition even more an imperative."

Dr Schwartz said that lengthy hotel check-in and check-out is one of the most frustrating aspects for travellers, especially for highly-valued regular guests. The new online registration and booking system allows the guest to make a reservation remotely using a credit card. The hotel then provides the guest with a code that works as a digital key.