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About

Aarni Tuomi is a leading researcher in hospitality technology, specializing in service robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence within the tourism and hospitality sectors. His work sits at the intersection of service management, human-robot interaction, and digital transformation, examining how emerging technologies reshape service delivery, employee roles, and customer experiences. Tuomi's most influential contribution, "Applications and Implications of Service Robots in Hospitality" (2020), has garnered an impressive 369 citations, establishing him as a prominent voice in the field. This work, alongside his exploration of humanoid robots like Pepper™ in live service encounters, has helped bridge theoretical frameworks with real-world hospitality applications. His cross-cultural research comparing robotised restaurant service in distinct markets demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how culture mediates technology adoption, while his study of Generation Z preferences in China highlights his commitment to understanding diverse consumer segments. Notably, Tuomi employs innovative methodological approaches, including ethnography and creative tools like LEGO® Serious Play®, to explore how stakeholders conceptualize AI and robotics. His recent field study comparing human and robot service agents further reflects his dedication to rigorous, practice-relevant research. With nearly 600 cumulative citations, Tuomi's scholarship is shaping how the hospitality industry navigates an increasingly automated future.