Hotel in Japan employed a velociraptor as its receptionist

An overnight stay in the hotel costs at around 9,000 yen (about £56), which is considered a bargain in Japan since nicer hotels charge around two or three times higher. Hotel guests are greeted by the receptionist robot, a vicious-looking dinosaur that can speak English. "If you want to check in, push 1," the dinosaur robot would often instruct.

There is also a female humanoid noted for her lovely eyelashes. She can greet guests in Japanese.

Other robotic hotel staff include an automated trolley that acts like a porter; a doll-like hairless robot equipped with voice recognition software that serves as the concierge; a robotic block that moves around the lobby; and a lamp-sized robot named "Tuly" that answers simple questions, such as 'What time is it?' and 'What is the weather tomorrow?'.

As animated as they are, though, "They still can't make beds," Sawada admitted.

Tuly can, for instance, turn the room lights on or off, and the concierge prattles breakfast and event information, but they cannot call a cab or do anything more than prattling. The robotic block can, however, deliver beverage and simple snacks as part of room service.

The hotel also features the so-called "robot cloak room" where a giant robotic arm is encased in a glass-walled corner of the hotel lobby. The spot is used as a locker where guests can leave items by placing them first inside a box and the giant robotic arm stacks them neatly with the other boxes into the wall.

Sawada also demonstrated a drone that can deliver a few small jars filled with snacks. He hopes to someday have drones that can perform shows to entertain guests.