Elevator Integration for Autonomous Delivery Robots in Your Hotel

Autonomous delivery robots are transforming the guest experience in hotels, offering convenience, efficiency, and even new revenue opportunities. But one of the most important steps in implementing this technology is ensuring the robots can communicate seamlessly with your elevators. For hotel general managers and owners, understanding this process can help avoid delays, manage costs, and maximize ROI.

Why Elevator Integration Matters

Your robot’s ability to deliver directly to guest rooms depends on reliable elevator access. Relay Robotics has designed its systems to interface with almost every elevator on the market, regardless of manufacturer or service company. With the right planning and collaboration, the integration process is smooth and predictable.

The Integration Process

Here’s what typically happens when a hotel decides to move forward with elevator integration:

1. Identify the Elevator System
   
   

   • The make and model of your elevator controller must be confirmed.

   • Relay Robotics works with all major elevator companies and independent control suppliers, but the process can take time, so early involvement is key.
     
     

2. Engage Your Elevator Service Provider
   
   

   • Notify your current elevator service company about the potential project.

   • Facilitate an introduction between your elevator service team and Relay Robotics.
     
     

3. Develop the Proposal
   
   

   • Relay Robotics will work directly with your service company to provide technical details and specifications so they can create a proposal.

   • The proposal should cover all labor, materials, and any additional hardware/software required.

• This process can take up to 2 months and therefore it is integral to engage them early in the process.
  
  

4. Approval and Installation
   
   

   • Once you approve the proposal, parts are ordered, fabricated, and then scheduled for installation.
     
     

Typical Requirements

Most integrations require additional hardware and occasionally software upgrades. These items are standard and can be added to modern elevator controllers without significant disruption.

Situations That May Limit Integration

Although rare, some older elevator systems were never designed for after-installation modifications. In these cases, the elevators may require a full controller replacement—a more costly project but often aligned with equipment that is already near end-of-life.

Physical Considerations

For robots to travel safely and reliably:

• Elevator sills must align closely with hall sills on every floor so the robot can travel over transitions.
  
  

• Flooring transitions should be smooth without large gaps or abrupt changes.
  
  

Proven Experience with Leading Manufacturers

Relay Robotics has engineering level relationships with all the major elevator controller manufacturers. We work in concert with the engineering teams at the manufacturers and we have successfully integrated with all major elevator companies, including:

• OTIS

• ThyssenKrupp

• KONE

• Schindler

• Mitsubishi

• Fujitec

• Orona

• Galaxy

• MCE

• Smartrise

• ECI

• Montgomery

• Dover

• Payne

The Elevator Company’s Role

Here’s what typically happens on their side:

1. The hotel owner/GM notifies the elevator service company.

2. The customer introduces Relay Robotics to the service company.

3. The Relay Robotics elevator integration team will host a kickoff call and provide all the necessary documentation and specifications.
   
   

4. The service company uses Relay’s information to develop a proposal.
   
   

5. The service company consults with the elevator controller manufacturer for technical details and parts.
   
   

6. The proposal is approved, parts are ordered, and work is scheduled.
   
   

What GMs and Owners Should Keep in Mind

• Be proactive: Your push is critical—ask your elevator service provider to generate a proposal early.

• Involve Relay Robotics early: This ensures fewer surprises and faster timelines.

• Plan ahead for upgrades: If your elevators are older, integration may align with long-term modernization plans.
  
  

Conclusion

Elevator integration is a crucial step in unlocking the value of autonomous delivery robots. With the right coordination between your service provider and Relay Robotics’ engineering team, the process is straightforward, cost-effective, and future-proof.