The first hotel in the world is to be opened in China where all services will be provided exclusively by robots, without human intervention in daily operations.
Robot PODU/PHOTO: Pudu Robotics
Testing of the system is scheduled to begin in late 2026, and the official opening of the hotel is planned for 2027.
An integrated robotics and artificial intelligence project
The project is developed by the company Pudu Robotics, in partnership with Shenzhen Culture & Tourism Industry Development. The hotel will be located on the West Artificial Island, part of a large-scale infrastructure project related to the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link in Guangdong province.
According to the developers, the hotel unit will work as a fully automated system, where robots will take over all the tasks traditionally performed by human staff: from reception and check-in, to cleaning, luggage transportation and delivery of orders to rooms.
Test phase
Before the full opening, the project will enter a pilot phase at the end of 2026. At this stage, only a limited number of rooms will be available to guests, and robots will handle basic processes, including check-in, delivery of goods and room service.
A fully automated system
Unlike modern hotels that use robots as assistants to human staff, this project is designed to operate without employees.
Robots will be responsible for reception, room service, cleaning, carrying luggage and even food preparation and delivery.
Coordination will be achieved through a software ecosystem based on the PuduFM 1.0 artificial intelligence models and the PuduAgent platform, which allow the interaction between different types of robots and their adaptation to various tasks.
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Types of robots used
Several specialized models will be used within the hotel:
-FlashBot will deliver food and drinks ordered by guests via mobile apps
-PUDU T300 will transport luggage to and from the rooms
-PUDU CC1 Pro and PUDU MT1 will be responsible for cleanliness, using dirt detection systems based on artificial intelligence
According to the company, these robots will work in an integrated system, capable of optimizing routes, recognizing the environment and responding in real time to changes in the hotel.
Capacity and infrastructure
The hotel will have 44 rooms of premium standard, as well as facilities such as restaurant, fitness room and other spaces intended for guests.
All services will be coordinated through a centralized system that will manage the entire operational flow, from the moment of check-in to the cleaning performed after check-out.
A project with a wider stake
The initiative is part of a larger plan to transform the Western Artificial Island into a tourism and technology hub. The authorities and companies involved plan to expand the use of robotics to other sectors of the hospitality and service industry.
In parallel, China has started developing specialized centers for training humanoid robots. In these facilities, systems are “trained” using sensors and motion capture technologies to perform tasks ranging from industrial activities to domestic services such as cooking or cleaning.
