When Will AI Replace Préposé au vestiaire ?

The impact of AI on locker room attendants will unfold gradually. Early automation, primarily through self-service technology and digital check-in, is projected to affect standardized facilities like airports and large gyms as early as 2029, with entry-level positions facing displacement.

By 2032, approximately 30-35% of core tasks will be automated. This wave will see AI-powered locker management systems and RFID-enabled coat check stations becoming commonplace in high-volume venues such as sports arenas and conference centers.

The mid to late stages of this transformation will see a bifurcation. While basic coat-checking roles diminish, attendants in premium environments offering personalized service will remain in demand through 2036 and beyond, indicating a significant shift in required skills.

Entry-level attendants at standardized facilities, such as those in airports or large gyms, are most at risk of displacement. Their roles, often focused on basic garment custody and check-in, are the most susceptible to automation by self-service kiosks and digital platforms.

Experienced attendants in premium environments, including luxury hotels, country clubs, and high-end spas, are expected to remain in high demand. Their focus on personalized service, guest relationship-building, and providing a high-touch experience will be increasingly valued, ensuring their job security well beyond 2036.

You have approximately 5-7 years to transition from basic coat-checking duties to a premium hospitality service model. Focus on developing skills related to personalized guest experience and relationship management.

The profession is bifurcating: embrace automation in self-service facilities or elevate your skills for high-touch luxury environments. Mobile app-based retrieval and AI locker management are tools to understand, not just threats.