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About

Wonda Grobbelaar is a forward-thinking researcher at the intersection of robotics, vocational training, and the future of work, with a particular focus on the hospitality and food service industries. Her work examines how industrial robots and artificial intelligence are reshaping the food chain—from farm to fork—and redefining customer expectations in an increasingly complex sector. Her most cited paper, “Analyzing Human Robotic Interaction in the Food Industry” (2021, 51 citations), provides a foundational look at how automation is being integrated to boost production and quality. Grobbelaar also explores the ripple effects of these technologies on employment and education, as seen in her studies on vocational training for Industry 4.0 in smart cities (2020) and future employments in hospitality (2024). Her research on smart innovation in tourism and hospitality (2023) further highlights how data sciences and ICT are driving systemic change. With a keen eye on the post-pandemic landscape—where robots sanitize restaurants and AI becomes ubiquitous—Grobbelaar’s work offers critical insights for students and professionals navigating the automation of service industries.