As the restaurant industry grapples with labor shortages, an increasing number of establishments are turning to automation to improve efficiency and meet customer demand. One of the latest trends is the use of robot waiters, which have been rapidly gaining in popularity in recent years.
Growing Sales and Deployment of Robot Waiters Worldwide
Tens of thousands of robot waiters have been deployed in restaurants worldwide, with sales of these machines growing rapidly. Companies such as Bear Robotics and Pudu Robotics are among those leading the charge, deploying thousands of robots in various countries.
Benefits of Robot Waiters
Proponents of robot waiters argue that these machines can ease the workload for human staff and make service more efficient. Some restaurant owners have reported positive feedback from customers, who appreciate the novelty of having a robot server at their table.
Moreover, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of new technologies in restaurants, and robot waiters are seen as a solution to labor shortages, particularly in the face of fluctuating restrictions and health concerns.
Public Acceptance of Robot Servers High in Asia
In Asia, public acceptance of robot servers is already high, with Pizza Hut having robot servers in 1,000 restaurants in China. This demonstrates that the technology is not only viable but can also be embraced by the public.
U.S. Chains Testing Robots
Some U.S. chains like Chick-fil-A are testing robots and finding that they give human employees more time to refresh drinks, clear tables, and greet guests. Although robot servers have been implemented in some chains, not all of them have been successful as they tend to move slowly and obstruct human servers in certain cases.
Restaurant Industry Responding to Labor Shortages
The restaurant industry is grappling with a labor shortage crisis, with 62% of restaurant operators in a recent survey saying they don’t have enough employees to meet customer demand. As a result, restaurants are turning to automation to address the issue and keep their businesses running.
Are Robots More Than a Gimmick?
While there is a growing market for robot servers, there are still those who argue that these machines are nothing more than a gimmick. The technology is still relatively new, and some experts believe that it has a long way to go before it can fully replace human servers.
As restaurants look for innovative ways to address labor shortages and improve service efficiency, the use of robot servers is likely to continue to grow. While there are challenges and limitations to the technology, it is clear that it has already made an impact in the industry and is here to stay. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how restaurants balance the use of technology with the need for human touch and personalized service.
