Have you ever wondered how robot waiters work seamlessly alongside the staffs? The restaurant industry is embracing innovative technology, and service robots are at the forefront of this transformation. In this ultimate guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about restaurant service robots—from the range of options available, how to choose the right robot for your business to common FAQs about them.
Service robots, often known as robot waiters, are designed to boost front-of-house efficiency and help businesses tackle high costs and staffing challenges. Beyond this, many restaurants also use it as a way to create exciting and innovative experiences for their guests, like how Aplus Oriental and EAT MEAT Steakhouse in Manchester did it.
There are different types of service robots available, ranging from serving dishes, to clearing tables or even promoting offers and events. By automating mundane tasks within the restaurant's workflow, these robots offer seamless, efficient, and reliable service that not only enhances the dining experience but also delights customers with a touch of modern technology.
Serving Meals: Serving robots deliver meals directly from the kitchen to tables, efficiently reducing wait times and ensuring food is served at the optimal temperature. These robots can serve up to four tables at once and operate for up to 12 hours. They can function either autonomously or semi-autonomously, depending on the level of service you wish to provide. In autonomous mode, customers can unload their meals by themselves and interact with the robots. In semi-autonomous mode, staff unload the food upon arrival, maintaining the personal touch of human service while enhancing efficiency.
Clearing Tables: Dish collection robot like HolaBot, as seen in many venues in London such as Hard Rock Cafe and Aspire Lounge, are designed to boost table turnover by helping staff collect dirty dishes from multiple tables and transport them back to the kitchen at one go. One of their standout features is the use of enclosed cabins, which maintain high hygiene standards and improve the dining environment for customers. These robots are particularly effective in venues with medium to high capacity.
Advertising: Advertising robots use screens and interactive interfaces to showcase daily specials, new menu items, and other offers to customers. With AI voice capabilities and customised conversations, these robots effectively engage with customers, increasing awareness of the venue's promotions and services. They are versatile and can be used in various venues such as food halls, retail stores, and shopping malls.
Which Service Robot Is Right for Your Restaurant?
While restaurant service robots are known for boosting efficiency and saving costs by streamlining operations, it's equally important to choose the right type of robot by assessing your restaurant's unique needs and goals. This way, you can identify specific areas of your business where robots can add value and make an impact.
#1 Assess Your Needs: Begin by identifying the areas where robots can add the most value
Engaging Dining Experience: If you're aiming to provide a new and captivating dining experience, serving robots brings a fun and interactive element to your service, elevating customer satisfaction. You may find a selection of choices here.
Labour Shortages: For businesses facing labour shortages, especially in the current challenging hiring environment, serving robots offer a dependable solution. These robots ensure seamless service during peak hours and alleviate staffing pressures. Most importantly, they can help businesses maintain regular opening hours and serve as a vital solution for improving profit margins.
Promotions and Upselling: Advertising robot like KettyBot are excellent for communicating daily specials and promotions to customers. They deliver targeted, interactive messages to boost sales and encourage diners to try new offerings.
Improving Cleanliness and Speed: To enhance cleanliness and speed up table turnover, consider dish collection robots like HolaBot. These robots streamline table clearing and contribute to a more pleasant dining environment.
#2 Search for Reliable Providers:
Compare different robotic suppliers based on their functionality, reliability, and customer support. Robotic supplier such as NEOS Robotics, provide comprehensive support throughout the UK to help businesses integrate robots smoothly into their operations. This includes installation assistance, advice on optimal navigation routes, and professional user training. If you're unsure about which type of robot to choose, speak to one of the team who can advise on the best option to suit your needs.
Common FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about restaurant service robots:
How much does a service robot cost?
The cost of a service robot varies depending on the model and specific features you require, with monthly costs typically less than £350. These service robots are not only cost-effective but also provide a quick return on investment.
How do customers react to service robots?
What kind of maintenance do robots require?
Are they safe to use?
How does the robot handle high traffic in the way?
Will I need to change my existing arrangement?
Will you offer assistance with the floor navigation planning for new venues?
But How Did They Do? Here Are What The Users Said
Several restaurants in the UK have successfully integrated service robots into their operations:
"There's more free time for staffs to engage with the customers. We also have customers request to see the robot on the booking system beforehand or with phone calls asking do you have a robot.
The robot adds to that innovation. Anyone who's trying to be innovative and to give their customer a new experience then 100% is a way forward."
- Owner, EatMeat.
"BellaBots have 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."
- Manager, Aplus Oriental.
"Employing “Takeshi" for the staff has been a tremendous benefit. We solved problems for our staff. Our teams main goal is to work with the customer, and this allows them to 100% focus on the customer, so their work satisfaction has increased a lot. The robot "Takeshi" is a part of the Tokyo ramen family."
- Eddy Claes, CEO of Nippon Dining.
Get Started with Restaurant Service Robots
What's your thought on this innovative solution? To find out more about how service robots operate and the benefits they can bring to your operation, contact us today. Don't miss out on the opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality and automation.
