Oklahoma State University Advances Hospitality Robotics Research with Innovative Partnership

Advancing Hospitality: OSU’s Robotics Research Takes Flight

Published: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Media Contact:
Stephen Howard | Director of Marketing & Communications | 405-744-4363 | stephen.howard@okstate.edu

On a Friday afternoon filled with curiosity and innovation, a remote-controlled robot made its way into the Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education at Oklahoma State University. This sleek machine, equipped with tiered trays and cup holders, is more than just a high-tech gadget; it’s at the forefront of groundbreaking research led by Dr. Lisa Slevitch and her team.

A New Era in Hospitality and Tourism

Dr. Slevitch, interim head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), has teamed up with Oklahoma City-based Human Mode and Arizona State University to explore the intersection of robotics and hospitality. Their research aims to uncover practical insights into how robotic technology can enhance service experiences in increasingly automated environments.

Slevitch expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Human Mode and express our sincere gratitude for their generous support of our research efforts.” This partnership highlights a transformative moment where academic inquiry meets industry innovation, turning theoretical concepts into practical applications.

The Power of Collaboration

Human Mode, founded by the married duo William and Chi Kerber in 2017, specializes in developing advanced technologies that aid human interaction. They built the robot being used in Slevitch’s study and introduced its capabilities during a recent demonstration, showcasing how it can seamlessly operate in a hospitality context.

“It’s really customizable, and it works well for this kind of research,” remarked CEO William Kerber. “It’s awesome that we have the opportunity to work with OSU on this and lend our robotics experience to their practical, interesting grant work.”

Their innovative approach is critical, especially as the hospitality and tourism sectors navigate the rapid evolution of technology. According to a recent study, the global hospitality robots market is projected to reach $472.5 million in 2024, with significant growth on the horizon.

Exploring Human-Robot Interactions

One of the primary objectives of Slevitch’s research is to examine how humans interact with robots in dining settings. With the increasing prevalence of robots in hospitality roles, it’s essential to understand what makes these interactions positive or negative.

“We know that robots are coming,” Slevitch said. “They’re going to be used more and more. And, we want customers to have great experiences. There is some evidence that it’s not always happening when humans interact with robots, so we would like to know, what makes that interaction better?”

The robot, designed to be user-friendly, utilizes a digital interface featuring a cartoon-style avatar to engage customers. Researchers will control the robot using a video game-like controller, creating a familiar and instinctive experience for users.

A Promising Future

Housed within OSU’s Spears School of Business, which ranks No. 8 nationally and No. 22 globally in ShanghaiRanking’s 2024 Global Rankings of Academic Subjects, the HTM program is paving the way for new educational paradigms. With faculty like Slevitch, who frequently publishes with significant industry applications, the potential for innovation is immense.

The collaboration extends beyond OSU, as Slevitch works alongside Drs. Katsiaryna Siamionava, Olivia Liu Sheng, and Che-Wei Liu from ASU’s prestigious W.P. Carey School of Business. Their collective efforts will not only contribute to academic knowledge but also offer practical solutions for an industry poised for change.

As technology continues to advance, the integration of robotics within hospitality settings will require thoughtful research and collaboration. The work being undertaken by Dr. Slevitch and her partners is just the beginning of a transformative journey in the hospitality industry.

In her closing remarks, Slevitch shared her vision: “We look forward to sharing our findings and exploring the exciting possibilities at the intersection of robotics technology and academic research.”

To learn more about Oklahoma State University’s acclaimed HTM program and be part of the future unfolding in hospitality and technology, visit our website.

This blend of technology and hospitality promises a bright future for the industry, positioning Oklahoma State University at the forefront of this revolution.