# Humanoid Robots in Tourism and Hospitality--Exploring Managerial, Ethical, and Societal Challenges
## 1 Introduction
The dynamic process of digitalization of society poses new challenges to the tourism sector [8; 9; 10]. In the context of Industry 4.0, the tourism industry focuses on implementing technologies that are a combination of real and digital technologies [11]. Industry 4.0 focuses on the interaction of machines with IT systems, as opposed to Industry 5.0, which strives for synergistic cooperation between humans and machines. Artificial intelligence, a tool of Industry 5.0, in turn, allows for the development of tourism by enabling the recognition of user needs by institutions belonging to the tourism industry [12]. Industry 5.0 in tourism and hotel activities allows for the inclusion of technology in service marketing and human resources management, which translates into better customer service [13]. Industry 5.0 is, in this sense, a concept that assumes the integration of humans and technology in order to achieve higher efficiency, flexibility and sustainable development in tourism and hospitality services. The examples of robots used in tourism and hospitality presented in the article, in line with the concept of Industry 5.0, allow for achieving both efficiency goals and those related to the implementation of the principles of sustainable development in tourism. At the same time, they support employees in difficult and monotonous or repetitive tasks, thus allowing employees to focus on more creative and valuable activities. A notable gap in the literature exists regarding the practical and societal implications of integrating humanoid robots in the tourism sector. While previous studies have explored the potential of AI and robotics to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, fewer studies have addressed how these technologies align with the core values of hospitality-personalized service, cultural sensitivity, and human connection. Moreover, there is limited research on the readiness of the workforce and consumers to adapt to these changes, particularly in different cultural and economic contexts. This study aims to fill these gaps by exploring the usage of humanoid robots in tourism and hospitality, focusing on their roles, decision-making processes, human-centric approaches, and oversight mechanisms. It evaluates the associated benefits and challenges, demonstrating how these technologies can enhance both work environments and customer experiences while ensuring ethical integrity and sustainability. By analysing case studies and examining the societal dimensions of AI in tourism, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how humanoid robots can reshape the sector, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and human oversight in fostering a future where technology enhances human experiences while safeguarding societal values. The structure of this paper is organized as follows: The second section provides a literature review covering the current state of AI and humanoid robots in tourism and hospitality, focusing on ethical and practical considerations. The third section describes the methodology, including the case selection process, analysis criteria, and data collection methods. The fourth section discusses the results, including the roles, advantages, challenges, ethics and broader implications of humanoid robots in the sector. The fifth section concludes the paper, summarizing findings, offering recommendations for practitioners, and outlining directions for future research.