In the vibrant heart of Manchester's Chinatown, Aplus Oriental is making waves by introducing BellaBots, a unique cat-like robots that can greet and serve customers. This popular two-floor restaurant, known for its delicious Chinese cuisine and lively karaoke rooms, is now taking customer service to the next level, redefining the dining experience.
The Challenge: A Quest for Efficiency and Joy
Aplus Oriental, like many others in the hospitality industry, faced the all-too-familiar challenge of staffing shortages. The constant flow of customers, especially during peak hours, required a practical solution to uphold the restaurant's high service standards. Moreover, surrounded by a variety of dining choices, Aplus needed something unique to differentiate itself and retain its customer base.
The owner was looking to offer a new dining experience for customers, anticipating that the robots would add a fun touch, particularly with their entertainment features like birthday celebrations and welcoming guests. This innovation not only delighted both adults and children but also stirred excitement within the community, capturing interest and drawing people's attention across the area.
BellaBots: A Seamless Integration
BellaBots’ ability to work tirelessly for up to 12 hours is just the beginning of their impressive capabilities. Each BellaBot comes with an AI-powered voice system and smart expressions, enabling them to interact with guests in a friendly and engaging manner. These features especially appeal to children and add a personal touch to customer service, making interactions more enjoyable.
One of the most crucial technical features is their obstacle avoidance capability. The BellaBots are equipped with 3D sensors that help them navigate through the busy restaurant environment smoothly, avoiding collisions with guests, staff, or furniture. This ensures a seamless and safe operation, even during the busiest hours.
# How Do BellaBots Manage in a Two-Floors Restaurant with Just One Kitchen?
Equipped with 4 trays, each BellaBot can serve up to four tables in a single journey on both floors. The kitchen, located on the first floor, dispatches dishes for the second floor through an enclosed tunnel. Upon arrival on the second floor, the staff swiftly load the orders onto the BellaBot, which then directly delivers them to the customers' tables.
Installation: Smooth Implementation
Area Analysis and Route Optimisation: We worked collaboratively with the owner and restaurant staff to conduct an extensive area analysis. This process was key in determining the most efficient navigation routes for BellaBots, taking care to minimise any disruption to the existing layout.
Mapping Strategy: On the first floor, a BellaBot was tailored to navigate the standard dining area, adeptly handling the regular flow of service. Another BellaBot on the second floor was precisely mapped to navigate smoothly between the dining areas and the karaoke rooms. This approach made sure that each BellaBot was perfectly suited for the different layouts and needs of each floor.
Ensuring Flawless Operation: Before going live, a series of tests were conducted to ensure the BellaBots operated flawlessly. Any minor issues identified were promptly addressed, guaranteeing a smooth integration into the restaurant's daily operations.
Staff Training: Once the routes and tests were validated, we embarked on a comprehensive user-training session for the staff. It was crucial that the team was well-versed in operating the BellaBots, from basic commands to troubleshooting minor issues. This training not only equipped the staff with the necessary skills but also boosted their confidence in using this new technology.
The Result? They Love It
The results have been remarkable. Customers were impressed by BellaBots.
Here’s what they said:
"I've seen the robots before, but watching them in action is really interesting. My friends and I love the dim sum here, being served by the robots is a completely new experience. We enjoy it," shared Zach, a regular at Aplus Oriental.
Another customer highlighted the expanded offerings:
"I heard that Aplus had opened its karaoke on the second floor and had robots serving in the restaurant. We didn't want to miss out on that."
Additionally the manager of Aplus Oriental also commented:
"Our commitment at Aplus Oriental Restaurant has always been to deliver an extraordinary dining experience. The adoption of BellaBots has improved our service efficiency and introduced an innovative and futuristic touch to dining in Chinatown. We're thrilled to have NEOS Robotics, whose ongoing support and expertise have been instrumental in this advancement."
A Reflection: Your Thoughts?
BellaBots at Aplus Oriental show more than just success in one restaurant, they reveal what future dining might look like. Here, technology doesn't take away from personal service, it adds to it. Aplus Oriental is a great example of how new ideas can make dining more fun and surprising.
Introducing BellaBots can yield significant returns and substantial long-term benefits for restaurant owners. Their ability to enhance service efficiency and customer experience can lead to increased sales and reduced operation costs. This not only offsets the initial investment but also boosts overall profitability, making BellaBots a smart financial decision for forward-thinking restaurant businesses.
Eager to explore how service robots can seamlessly integrate into your own restaurant, our dedicated team of professionals is ready to assist you. Contact us today for a complimentary product consultation, tailored specifically to your establishment's needs and requirements.
Don't miss this chance to transform your service and delight your customers in ways they've never imagined!
