Robotics in Hotel Services : Housekeeping, Reception, and Concierge Services

Ankit Shukla is an accomplished educator and researcher with a robust background in the hospitality and tourism industry. His career spans various roles, from frontline food and beverage service to academic leadership and extensive research contributions. Ankit's journey exemplifies a blend of practical experience, academic acumen, and a passion for advancing knowledge in his field. Early Career and Industry Experience Ankit's career in the hospitality industry began at the Hyatt Regency Chandigarh in September 2015, where he worked in the Food & Beverage Service department. His responsibilities included taking room service orders, managing point-of-sale systems, and setting up banquets for events. This role provided Ankit with hands-on experience in the operational aspects of the hospitality industry. Following his time at the Hyatt Regency, Ankit transitioned into academia, joining Kumaun University Nainital as a teaching personnel in September 2016. He took on multiple responsibilities, including lecturing MBA Tourism students, overseeing practical training, and designing course curricula. This marked the beginning of his journey in education, where he contributed to shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals. Academic Leadership and Teaching Ankit's academic career continued to flourish as he assumed the role of Assistant Professor at SIHMCT & AN Tehri Garhwal in July 2017. He became the head of the Food & Beverage Service department, where he coordinated events, designed course curricula, and managed the department's overall functioning. From February 2018 to April 2022, Ankit served as an Assistant Professor at Shoolini University Solan. Here, he expanded his responsibilities to include training and placement coordination, NAAC coordination for the Hospitality Management department, and handling operations of a hotel with eight rooms. His leadership skills and ability to manage complex tasks were instrumental in the smooth functioning of the university's hospitality department. Contributions to Research and Academia Ankit's passion for research is evident through his significant contributions to academic literature. He has presented research papers at various international conferences, focusing on topics such as ecology, local and regional food in destination marketing, and the influence of technological amenities on hotel guest satisfaction. His research has been published in reputable journals, with manuscripts addressing safety and security measures in hotels, tobacco consumption in India, and the role of Indian spices in Indian history. In addition to his research publications, Ankit has filed 40 patents, copyrights, and utility applications, with several already granted. His commitment to innovation and intellectual property rights underscores his dedication to advancing knowledge in his field. Current Role and Future Endeavors As of July 2023, Ankit is a lecturer at Raja Mangala University of Technology Thanyaburi in Thailand. In this role, he continues to inspire and educate students in the field of hospitality while pursuing his research interests. Ankit's extensive experience in both industry and academia, coupled with his passion for teaching and research, positions him as a key figure in the ongoing development of the hospitality and tourism sector. Ankit Shukla's journey from industry practitioner to esteemed academic is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality and education.

Dr. Nagendra Yadav is a highly regarded expert in hospitality, bringing over 12 years of extensive experience in both academia and the hotel industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality and a Master’s degree in Hotel Management from Kurukshetra University. Currently, he serves as a distinguished faculty member at the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Manipal, India. With a robust professional background, Dr. Yadav has successfully collaborated with prestigious hotel brands, including Taj Hotels, The Leela Group, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Piccadilly Hotel, in addition to his academic tenure at Shoolini University. His significant contributions to research and academia include over 45 patents and copyrights, alongside more than 15 Scopus-indexed papers and books published in leading journals. Dr. Yadav’s research interests are pivotal in the field, focusing on gastronomic tourism, culinary heritage, hospitality innovation, and experiential learning. His ability to merge industry insights with academic rigor positions him as an influential leader in shaping the future of hospitality professionals.

Dr. Rohit Chauhan is an Assistant Professor at the Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, India. His core expertise spans sustainable tourism development, business analytics, digital marketing, and computer applications. He has extensive teaching and research experience, with publications in journals and book chapters indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Dr. Chauhan is also skilled in quantitative data analysis, curriculum development, and academic administration, and is committed to fostering research-driven innovation in the fields of tourism and business analytics.

Dr. Abhishek Ghai is an accomplished academic and hospitality professional with over 15 years of combined experience in teaching and the hospitality industry. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala. He has previously held esteemed academic positions at Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Kurukshetra University. Dr. Ghai holds a Ph.D. in Tourism and Hotel Management from Kurukshetra University, specializing in bar service operations within the Indian hotel industry. An alumnus of both Bangalore University and Kurukshetra University, he is a recognized expert in food and beverage service, alcoholic beverages, and molecular mixology. His hands-on training at international bars in the UAE and professional experience with luxury hotel brands such as One & Only Royal Mirage (Dubai), ITC Hotels, Taj Hotels, Radisson bring practical insights to his academic work. A prolific researcher and published author, Dr. Ghai has contributed numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and a co-edited book. His research interests span bar operations, food and beverage management and event management.

Dr. Vaibhav Verma is an accomplished academician, hospitality professional, and innovator with over 15 years of experience in academia and the hotel industry. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Head of the School of Hospitality & Tourism at Bahra University, where he provides visionary leadership, fosters academic excellence, and drives innovation in hospitality education. Holding a Ph.D., MTTM, and BHM, Dr. Verma specializes in hospitality and tourism management, with research interests in sustainability, technology integration, and destination marketing. He has published research papers, authored books, and registered patents and designs, reflecting his strong commitment to research and innovation. Dr. Verma’s professional career includes roles with leading hotel brands such as The Oberoi (Wildflower Hall) and The Radisson Hotel, where he gained invaluable operational and managerial expertise. He is also the Secretary of Him Anchal Chef Association (HIMCA) and an active member of the Association of Hospitality Professionals. Dedicated to blending industry insights with academic rigor, Dr. Verma continues to shape the future of hospitality and tourism education.