Aloft Hotels, a brand of hotels based in North America, is deploying A.L.O, the first robotic butler.

A.L.O. will send guests' requested items to their rooms without any human help en route.

A.L.O., pronounced "el-oh," stands three feet tall and is sleekly painted in a modern rendition of the black and white uniform worn by butlers.

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The robot is equipped with sensors and cameras to detect obstacles such as carts and walls. It will be given simple tasks such as moving towels and linens to fitness centers and guest rooms, as well making small room deliveries.

A.L.O. is not to be judged as an emotionless machine, said Aloft. The robot is a personable "employee" equipped with a "sense of humor similar to Rosie from 'The Jetsons' and a discernable work ethic comparable to 'Wall-E.'"

The Silicon Valley design team Savioke partnered with the hotel to create a robot that would increase efficiency but still fit into the tech-friendly atmosphere of the hotel.

Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of Starwood Hotels that owns Aloft, said A.L.O isn't meant to make humans obsolete in the business.

After the item is delivered, A.L.O. asks the guest to rate its service and returns to the front desk for more tasks. The robotic staff isn't the only futuristic aspect Starwood Hotels is eyeing.

The company plans to implement a service that uses the guests' smart mobile devices as keycards to enter rooms. This technology could help eliminate long guest lines at the front desk to retrieve room keys.

TagsRobotics, Hotels, Concierge, Hotel, technology, Robot Butler