In Nairobi, Kenya, a new dining experience is captivating locals and visitors alike.
The Robot Cafe, the first of its kind in East Africa, features three robotic waiters that glide around the restaurant, delivering meals to eager customers.
This innovative eatery has quickly become a popular spot, attracting curious diners who want to see robots in action.
The cafe is located in Kileleshwa, a lively neighborhood known for its vibrant tech scene. Mohammed Abbas, the owner, was inspired by robot service he had experienced in Asia and Europe.
Despite the high cost of importing the robots, he believes the investment has paid off, as the cafe is often bustling with customers excited to try this unique dining concept.
One of their customers, Packson Chege shares his remarks on the restaurant as unique
The Robot Cafe employs three robots, named Claire, R24, and Nadia, to enhance the dining experience.
They can greet customers with phrases like “Your order is ready” and “Welcome,” but they don’t engage in full conversations.
Instead, they serve food from their trays, allowing diners to simply press an exit button after picking up their meals.
This setup not only entertains but also streamlines service. The cafe has programmed the robots to sing happy birthday songs.
While the robots are a major attraction, human waiters remain essential to the cafe’s operations. They take orders from customers who prefer not to use the online system and serve drinks personally.
John Kariuki, the cafe’s manager, emphasizes that the robots are not meant to replace human staff. Instead, they assist by handling some of the delivery tasks, allowing waiters to focus on customer interactions.
The introduction of robotic service in Nairobi has sparked discussions about the future of jobs in the hospitality industry.
Some experts believe that robots could disrupt the workforce, especially in a region with a young population.
However, Kariuki says that there is room for both robotic and human service to coexist.
Edith Ojwang, a hospitality industry expert, points out that different customers have varying preferences, with some favoring the efficiency of robots while others appreciate the personal touch of human service.