Smart Technologies Ltd (STL) has partnered with PUDU Robotics to introduce intelligent service and cleaning robots to Malta, expanding the technology solutions it offers to the hospitality industry. As PUDU's authorised partner in Malta, Smart Technologies will help hotels and restaurants identify where robotics can address everyday challenges, improve efficiency and support their teams.

The announcement comes amid growing discussion about the role of robotics in hospitality, following comments by Malta Chamber of Commerce President William Spiteri Bailey on the potential of robot waiters in addressing the industry's reliance on foreign labour.

However, the opportunity goes well beyond robot waiters.

"Robotics is not simply about putting a robot on the restaurant floor. It is about identifying where businesses are spending time and resources on repetitive tasks, and where technology can help. By taking on some of these activities, robots can allow hospitality teams to spend more time with guests and focus on delivering the service that matters," said Manuel Aquilina, Chief Operating Officer at Smart Technologies.

Addressing everyday challenges

Hotels and restaurants face increasing pressure from rising costs, staff availability challenges and growing guest expectations. Employees often spend considerable time on repetitive activities, including food delivery, dish collection, room-service deliveries, transporting luggage and linen, and cleaning large public areas.

PUDU offers a range of robots designed to support these activities.

In restaurants, BellaBot and KettyBot can assist with food delivery, dish collection and guest interaction. In hotels, delivery solutions can support the movement of items around the property, including room-service and parcel deliveries.

For cleaning operations, the PUDU CC1 combines sweeping, scrubbing, vacuuming and mopping in one autonomous machine, helping businesses maintain large floor areas while reducing the time employees spend on repetitive cleaning tasks.

PUDU Robotics has shipped more than 130,000 robots globally, with its technology present in over 85 countries and regions, demonstrating the growing adoption of commercial robotics across different industries.

People, not replacement

Hospitality is ultimately a people business. The warmth of a welcome, personal attention and the judgement of an experienced employee cannot be replicated by a robot.

"A robot cannot replace the warmth of a welcome or the judgement of an experienced team member. That is not what we are trying to achieve. Our aim is to help businesses make better use of the people they already have, allowing technology to take care of repetitive activities while employees concentrate on guests and the quality of service," added Manuel Aquilina.

Part of a broader hospitality offering

Smart Technologies already supports Malta's hospitality industry through solutions spanning Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud and Simphony, point-of-sale systems, networking, infrastructure, cyber security and managed services.

The partnership with PUDU adds another capability to this offering. By combining its understanding of hospitality operations with intelligent automation, Smart Technologies can help businesses assess where robotics fits into their existing processes and where it can deliver practical value.

Exploring the possibilities

Every hospitality operation is different. The starting point is understanding where repetitive tasks, time constraints or operational pressures create opportunities for improvement.

Smart Technologies works with hotels and restaurants to explore how PUDU's intelligent robotics solutions could complement their existing operations, support their teams and improve efficiency.

Interested in exploring what robotics could bring to your hospitality business? Get in touch with Smart Technologies to discuss your requirements and discover how intelligent automation could work within your operation.

Book a call here.