Will robots take my job in the tourism industry

Use of Robots in Tourism Industry

Technology has affected every facet of human life, and tourism is no exception. However what is unique with the use of technology in tourism industry is that it not only uses existing technologies such as websites, big data and cloud computing, but it also creates opportunities for the development of new ones that can specifically benefit this industry. An example of such a trend is the use of robots and humanoids to enhance a trip experience for travelers. These robots are being used in a variety of ways within the tourism industry to make tourism more accessible to everyone and also, to give a unique experience for every traveler.

A case in point is the use of robots to make museums accessible to everyone. Many museums such as the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, the de Youg Museum of San Francisco and the Computer History Museum in California offer this facility to people who are unable to visit museums in person due to physical disabilities. These museums use telepresence robots to give a virtual guided tour of museums to enthusiasts world over. Other than giving one-on-one guided tours, these robots can also help physical and virtual visitors to overcome language barriers by speaking in a language that they understand. Due to these advantages, more museums are likely to begin using robots for giving virtual tours to those who cannot travel due to physical disabilities. For these travel enthusiasts who love to travel but are unable to do so because of their disabilities, these robots can be a true blessing. They no longer have to miss out on the fun and learning experiences.

In fact, this idea of using robots for virtual tours can be extended beyond museums. It can be used to give users a feel of virtually any area on the planet, whether it is the cold tundra or the warm tropical forests. These robots are an outstanding example of the fact that anything is possible with technology.

Besides travelers with physical abilities, robots can help to create memorable and personalized travel experience for other travelers too. One area where robots can come handy is language translation as this is likely to help all visitors to enjoy a place better. Imagine a Spanish traveler moving around in India where almost each state speaks a different language. Without knowing the in-depth details of a historic or religious place, it could be impossible for that traveler to truly enjoy his or her trip. On the other hand, if there was a robot in each of these popular tourist destinations that could be programmed to speak in any language, then it would truly enrich the Spanish traveler's experience. This translation services can make a place more attractive and could bring in extra revenue for the local tourism board. In this sense, robots can make a travel experience truly meaningful.

Another advantage with robots is that it can reach places that were hitherto inaccessible by humans. It can take pictures of the routes and give a better accessibility picture to travelers. Such information is sure to enthuse adventure travelers who are always looking to explore new places. Furthermore, robots can be used to take customized pictures from angles that are virtually impossible for humans. Aerial photos or those from a deep crevice are possible with robots, and these photos can add that extra touch to make a vacation special for travelers. As for the tourism board, it is additional revenue and more popularity that will augur well for its future.

This widespread usage of robots has been a boon for technology companies too. They are able to produce robots in mass quantities with their expertise, and this has reduced the manufacturing cost. As a result, companies are able to pass on the benefits of this lowered cost to buyers. Moreover, companies are constantly innovating and coming up with next generation robots that will further streamline and customize travel experience for users.

Due to these advantages, more tourism boards and companies in the hospitality industry are looking to tap into the power of robots. The best part is that these robots are readily available and are affordable to most companies. Earlier, robots used to cost tons of money thereby making it difficult for everyone to buy it. However today, the cost has come down because technology is available and manufacturing costs have gone down. Hence, it is possible to get robots today for a few thousands of dollars. Many companies see it as a good investment as it has the potential to bring in money by way of increased tourists.

All in all, robots are changing the face of tourism industry and it will not be long before we see a robot welcoming us right from our point of departure!