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ROBOT STAFF According to market research company Forrester, by 2021 robots will have eliminated 6 per cent of all US jobs. Professor Moshe Vardi, of Rice University in the US, predicts that in the next 30 years robots will cause global unemployment of more than 50 per cent. At the Hilton McLean in Virginia, robotic “concierge in training” Connie (pictured) is gifted with artificial intelligence powered by IBM Watson, and speaks multiple languages. IHG’s Crowne Plaza San Jose Silicon Valley hotel has been trialling Dash, a threefoot-tall robot who can use lifts thanks to a wifi sensor, and deliver you snacks and drinks. Starwood’s Aloft is planning to roll out “Botlrs” across dozens of properties. In Marrakech airport, Leo can check you in, print bag tags and carry cases to the baggage handling area. In Taipei, EVA Air now has Pepper who scans boarding passes, gives weather updates and poses for selfies.