topic Robot Servers in Restaurants in Community Chat

Robot Servers in Restaurants

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 01:52:08 GMT

I saw a report on a local morning show about the shortage of service workers in the restaurant industry. An owner stated that if one has enough capital to put into a long-term commitment, utilizing robots as servers may be the future in food service. I think I would be OK with a robot serving my meal as long as the quality and temperature of the food is satisfactory. Would you be comfortable dining in an establishment that utilized robots?

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Porcelain — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 01:59:11 GMT

I would like to see the return of Automats.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

on the bay — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:04:01 GMT

@Porcelain,

I loved those too!

My father would take us to Horn and Horn, Horn and Hardardt, when we were little. We each got the same thing everytime😊

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

NYwoman — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:05:51 GMT

With the robberies these days and the complete incivility of some people, I would welcome robots.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Meowingkitty — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:09:06 GMT

At least I don't have to tip a robot.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

ThinkingOutLoud — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:16:03 GMT

No, I would not go to a restaurant that goes that route. I would think the lack of human contact the past couple years would show people that real connection matters.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

QVCkitty1 — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:25:22 GMT

Absolutely not !

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Duckncover — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:50:23 GMT

The college campus where I used to work has robots that do pizza delivery. It is not uncommon to see them on the sidewalks going from the food service building to the campus apartments or offices. I think they have a Pizza Hut logo on them and they are designed to carry pizza boxes. I just wonder why pizza delivery couldn't be a part time job for one of the students who could use the money and work experience. For every robot Insee, I can't help but think it is a lost job for someone.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Oznell — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:57:08 GMT

It doesn't appeal to me, @deepwaterdotter . In restaurants, I like the whole dining experience of mood, atmosphere, chatter, people, as well as great food. Interacting with (human) servers is part of the package.

I'd hate also to see the loss of jobs, especially for young people getting their first taste of the work world. One of my son's first jobs was as a waiter in a local "white tablecloth" restaurant. He learned a lot there, and put his experience to good use.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

RoughDraft — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 02:59:29 GMT

@on the bay

@Porcelain

My mind went right to Horn and Hardardt's too! Loved that place.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

spiderw — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:07:54 GMT

Porcelein and On the Bay !!!!!

Oh how I loved going to Horn and Hardardt at NY !!!!! It was such a treat as a younger person to eat there and I was sorry to see the chain go out of business. Whenever I see that Doris Day movie I smile and remember!!!!!

deepwaterdotter

I find Alexa creepy and have no interest in having one in my home. I wouldn't go to a restaurant with robots waiting tables. I like to interact with people not machines.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

sally in philly — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:10:11 GMT

My sister and I did the same.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:11:00 GMT

I agree with those of you who feel these jobs are oppotunities for young workers to navigate the world of the workplace and earn an income. But I wonder if service jobs aren't lost since no one is looking to fill them. Will workers ever again want to serve the public as a stepping stone to a more lucrative career?

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

GenXmuse — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:15:36 GMT

I wouldn't want it to become the norm, but it wouldn't stop me from eating somewhere that does. I'm kind of intrigued as to how it would work.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Carmie — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:20:35 GMT

It wouldn't make a difference to me. I don't like to eat in resturants and don't unless I have no choice, usually when on vacation.

I don't like people touching my food.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Linmo — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:40:40 GMT

When I eat in a restaurant, I do it for either the food or to enjoy the company of whoever I'm dining with. I don't do it to interact with the waitperson, so I would be fine with having a robot, or even a trained dog, delivering my food.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Oznell — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:52:18 GMT

It's very interesting that you've raised this question at this juncture, @deepwaterdotter . I've been worrying with the dip in the work force recently, many jobs going begging, that maybe the work ethic is being undermined.

Am hoping that isn't the case, and that people will ultimately resist that. For now, it may look bleak in that department, but I have a feeling that the impulse to do honest work, whatever that might be, will be revived, so central is it to self-respect, and personal and societal betterment.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

RollTide2008 — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:58:39 GMT

If you’re concerned about this taking jobs away from young people, you haven’t been paying attention. Restaurants have been cutting their menus, services, and hours because they can’t hire enough workers. This is solution to that problem. I’d go to a restaurant with robot servers. I also don’t mind ordering and paying from a tabletop kiosk.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Oznell — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 04:05:43 GMT

No, I well understand that robotic help could "make up" for the well-documented current lack of human applicants for jobs, @RollTide2008 -- I'm just hoping that the pendulum will swing again, with people returning to the workforce once more. In my opinion, it's possible, and desirable.

Re: Robot Servers in Restaurants

Jersey Born — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 12:13:26 GMT

@deepwaterdotter - No.