Hospitality Innovation Planet (HIP) turned IFEMA Madrid into the European epicentre of innovation for the HORECA sector. uRetail — the operator running the Spanish network on Bonobo’s uNobo Connect platform — took part to unpack the trends redefining the future of retail and hospitality.
At the 2026 edition, Román Suárez, CEO of uRetail, presented and moderated one of the most anticipated panels: “Technology that embraces: autonomous restaurants, robotics and new alliances.” He was joined by Francisco Javier Martín, Country Manager at Keenon Robotics, and Alejandro Ortega, Business Development Manager at ERV Holding.
Technology as an ally, not a substitute
The panellists dismantled the idea that robotics dehumanises service. Implemented well, it frees teams from repetitive, low-value tasks so they can focus on what really matters: the customer experience.
Three axes framed the debate:
- Fully autonomous restaurants and stores: the leap from pilot projects to profitable realities in strategic locations.
- Collaborative robotics: robotic arms, delivery bots and automated systems that optimise timing, cut waste and hold the quality standard.
- The power of new alliances: hardware makers, software builders (AI and Business Intelligence) and operating brands weaving synergies into complete solutions.
Leading change from real operations
Taking part in forums like HIP reaffirms a conviction that also guides Bonobo: automated retail and food service are no longer promises for the future — they are tools of the present. The challenge is to implement them intelligently, with profitable, agile, low-complexity operating models for the investors and operators building the commerce of the coming years.