In Japan, the Henn-na Hotel, also known as the “Strange Hotel,” has led the charge in adopting robotic staff. Opened in Nagasaki in 2015, it once boasted more than 240 robots and a minimal staff of humans.
Today, guests can still find humanoid androids behind check-in counters at the chain’s locations in Ginza, Hamamatsucho, Asakusabashi, Akasaka, and Haneda.
While the Henn-na Hotel drew headlines when it opened, problems soon emerged. By 2019, the hotel had retired more than half of its robotic staff due to technical glitches and guest complaints.