The 2026 Sydney Hospitality Show, held from May 11-13 at the International Convention Centre, showcased a surge in automation technologies for the hospitality industry. Exhibitors presented robot waiters, AI-powered ordering kiosks, and automated kitchen systems designed to address labor shortages and improve efficiency.
Key vendors included Bear Robotics, which demonstrated its Servi robot for food delivery, and Toast, which showed its AI-driven point-of-sale system. Organizers reported over 12,000 attendees, a 15% increase from the previous year, reflecting growing industry interest in automation.
Industry experts noted that while automation can reduce costs, it also raises concerns about job displacement. The show featured panels on balancing technology with workforce training, emphasizing the need for upskilling programs.
