IHG trials robot server at Crowne Plaza

Dash, as it is known, is a three foot tall robot which delivers snacks, toothbrushes and other amenities to guests at the hotels.

The robot, created by Savioke, travels at walking pace and can navigate floors without assistance by using Wi-Fi to call lifts. When it arrives at the correct room it calls the guests to let them know it is outside before returning to its docking station in the hotel’s reception to charge.

If the trial is successful Dash will be used in other hotels, with the potential for it to become available in the UK.

Gina LaBarre, vice president, Americas Brand Management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, IHG, said: "We are delighted to introduce Dash to our guests at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Milpitas. Given the hotel's location in the heart of Silicon Valley, it is a natural fit to enhance our service delivery program with the addition of the latest in robot technology.

“We expect our guests to be impressed by the technological sophistication of Dash and its ability to deliver the quality service they’ve come to expect from the brand. Crowne Plaza hotel team members are also excited to explore new, innovative ways to serve our guests using Dash.”

Steve Cousins, CEO of Savioke said: " With more than 300 guest rooms, this is the largest hotel to use our robot technology, and as Dash becomes a fixture at the hotel, we look to hearing some great stories from guests and staff alike."