A new era for the hospitality industry is set to begin in China, where the world’s first hotel operated entirely by robots is expected to open its doors to guests in 2027.

The pioneering project will be built on the artificial island created as part of the Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link, a vast bridge-and-undersea-tunnel infrastructure project in China’s Guangdong Province.

The initiative is being led by Chinese company Pudu Robotics, which has announced the development of the world’s first “full-scenario robot-serviced hotel”—a hotel where robots will not simply assist staff but will be responsible for the property’s entire operation.

From reception to housekeeping: AI takes charge of every service

At the new hotel, guests will be assisted by robots throughout every stage of their stay. Reception, check-in, luggage handling, room service, housekeeping, food preparation and customer support will all be provided by autonomous systems.

The hotel will operate using Pudu Robotics’ artificial intelligence ecosystem, with the PuduFM 1.0 model and PuduAgent coordinating services and communication between the different robots.

The aim is to create a fully interconnected environment in which every machine works seamlessly with the others, adapting its operations in real time.

The robots that will make up the hotel’s workforce

The hotel’s “staff” will consist of several different robot models, each assigned a specific role.

• FlashBot will handle delivery services and smart guest assistance, allowing visitors to order products via their smartphones.
• PUDU T300 will transport luggage from the entrance to guest rooms, while the PUDU CC1 Pro and PUDU MT1 cleaning robots will maintain the hotel’s facilities, using artificial intelligence to identify waste and adapt their cleaning operations to the surrounding environment.

According to the company, the reception robots will be capable of recognising gestures and social interactions, delivery robots will autonomously select the most efficient routes, and the cleaning systems will adapt to the specific requirements of each area.

First guests expected in late 2026

Ahead of the official opening in 2027, a trial operation is scheduled to begin in late 2026, giving the first visitors the opportunity to experience a hotel with no human staff.

Initially, only a limited number of rooms and services will be available, allowing guests to test the robotic check-in process and autonomous in-room deliveries.

An island dedicated to robotics

The hotel will feature 44 luxury rooms, a restaurant, a gym and leisure facilities, all connected through a single integrated smart operating system.

Pudu Robotics’ partnership with Shenzhen Culture & Tourism Industry Development aims to transform the Western Artificial Island into a technology-focused destination, placing artificial intelligence and robotics at the heart of the visitor experience.

“Our robots will participate in every aspect of the hotel’s operations, delivering seamless service without interruptions and without human intervention,” said Cong Guo, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Pudu Robotics.

The ambitious project in China demonstrates how artificial intelligence could fundamentally reshape the hospitality industry, paving the way for a new generation of hotels where the workforce may consist entirely of machines.