5 Robot Waiters in Restaurants to Discover in Malaysia
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around since 1956, but it wasn't until 2012 that deep-learning made it accurate and reliable. From then on, many AI-based technologies have become popular. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these advancements. With the need for social distancing, AI technology has become extremely popular to reduce the spread of infections. As a way to implement social distancing, our food and beverage (F&B) sector has evolved, giving rise to waiter robots for restaurants. So, if you appreciate social distancing check out one of these 5 Malaysian eateries with robot waiters:
1. Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar, Penang
Original Kayu Nasi Kandar is considered the pioneer when it comes to robots serving in restaurants – since they were the first in the City of Food Paradise to introduce a waiter robot for restaurants as a way of contactless serving at the height of COVID-19. Their robot was first unveiled at the Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar branch in Citta Mall, before expanding to Penang.The robot is intended to organise and serve orders in real time, with minimal human contact, so that the diners can feel comfortable and safe. The robots in use also have integrated imaging sensors to aid in detecting obstructions for a seamless delivery process.
2. NALE The Nasi Lemak Co.
In order to address the issue of manpower shortages during the pandemic, and to minimise human interactions, NALE The Nasi Lemak Co. in I-City mall has also introduced a waiter robot for restaurants. The robot will deliver your meal hot and fresh - all you need to do is insert the order number and click 'acknowledge' when it arrives. Voilà! It truly is a simple way to enjoy your favourite Nasi Lemak Ayam without having to worry about physical contact.3. Buharry Briyani Bistro
Have you ever seen cutely-named robots serving in restaurants? When you visit Buharry Biryani Bistro in Klang, you'll notice their robots, Upin and Ipin, wandering around tables and serving you food. If you'd like to try their distinctive Buharry Dham Biryani but are concerned about physical contact, don't be!The robot waiters would come to your rescue, allowing you to order from your seat using a barcode, and it would then leave after delivering your food. It’s that simple and convenient.
4. JBorn Cafe & Bistro, Johor
In terms of employing robot waiters in restaurants during the pandemic, Johor Bahru is not excluded either. JBorn Cafe & Bistro became the first establishment in the region to utilise a waiter robot for restaurants, named Kiki. This Muslim-owned restaurant is well-known among the Johor population for its western cuisine, and with the assistance of Kiki, it's just a match made in heaven to enjoy your favourite Chicken Chop without the need for significant human interactions.5. Sri Ananda Bahwan Restaurant Macalister Road
Sri Anandha Bahwan, a prominent Indian cuisine provider, has also joined the squad, having recently announced the appointment of four robot waiters at their Macalister Road, Penang branch. The robots are designed to deliver meals appropriately with minimal human involvement, and they are outfitted with sensors.The robots' also include voice activations to sing birthday songs, which could come in handy during celebrations for your loved ones while savouring your favourite banana leaf dishes.
In short, although AI comes at a high cost, many business owners are prepared to make the investment in waiter robot for restaurants to improve their services.
When you're ravenous for a meal to satiate your taste buds, be sure to check out one of these (or all) Robo-restaurants. You'll be sure to have an enjoyable experience, while also minimising human interaction to the greatest possible extent.