Ayen becomes first robot waitress in South Sudan

Lezeth Khoza
By Lezeth Khoza, Junior journalist
Johannesburg, 15 Jan 2026
Ayen's launch comes as service robots are transforming guest services globally through automation, speed, and customisation.
Ayen's launch comes as service robots are transforming guest services globally through automation, speed, and customisation.

The Pyramid Continental Hotel in South Sudan has debuted the country's first robot waitress and is leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and customer experience.

The innovation, named Ayen, is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered humanoid robot designed to move around and interact with customers to streamline and speed up service.

According to the hotel, the robot is a new addition to the existing staff and aims to support food and beverage operations by navigating the floor and engaging with guests.

This launch aligns with findings from the Swiss Hotel Management School, which notes that such innovations are transforming guest services through automation , speed, and personalisation.

These advancements are shaping global hotel operations, with emotional AI reading guest moods and generative AI crafting personalised recommendations.

The institution also highlights that a primary advantage of hospitality robots is the boost in operational efficiency, as they can take over repetitive, time-consuming tasks like delivering towels, vacuuming hallways, or checking guests in.

“Ayen will be joining our team to support food and beverage operations, assisting with service delivery and enhancing your overall guest experience,” the hotel announced in a social media update.

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