MWS Lau

Newcastle University Singapore, Nanyang Polytechnic

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

MWS Lau is a robotics researcher whose work has made meaningful contributions to the field of service robotics, with a particular focus on the application of autonomous mobile systems in real-world hospitality environments. Lau's research centers on the design and development of robotic systems tailored for the food and beverage industry, addressing practical challenges such as labor shortages and operational efficiency in restaurant settings. Most notably, Lau led the development of a mecanum-wheeled mobile waiter robot — a prototype designed for active deployment in restaurant environments — which has garnered 74 citations and stands as a landmark contribution to service robotics. This work, published in 2016, demonstrated the feasibility of deploying autonomous robots as functional waitstaff, bridging the gap between industrial robotics and consumer-facing service applications. An earlier 2015 publication further explored the broader landscape of robotics in the F&B sector, situating the research within global trends including deployments in Singapore. Lau's combined body of work reflects a commitment to translating robotics innovation into tangible, industry-relevant solutions, making a lasting impression on researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of automation and hospitality technology.