DAVENPORT, Iowa – A new era of dining has arrived in the Quad Cities as restaurants embrace the integration of robot waiters. California Pho, located on West Kimberly Road in Davenport, is at the forefront of this technological trend, becoming the first establishment in the area to introduce these futuristic assistants.
Initiated a decade ago by H.I.G Technology CEO Devon Hill, this innovative project initially tested its first robot waiters about four years ago in the Chicagoland market. These remarkable machines are capable of a multitude of tasks, including delivering food to tables and cleaning them afterward.
Described as “huge and dependable” by Hill, these robot waiters offer significant benefits to the businesses that adopt them. Particularly amidst the ongoing labor shortage, having reliable robotic staff that arrive punctually every day is an invaluable asset to restaurant owners.
Binh Van Nguyen, owner of California Pho, attests to the convenience and assistance these robots provide. “As a business owner, I don’t have enough staff to handle everything,” Nguyen explains, “but with the help of these robots, our operations have become much smoother. They have significantly reduced my running around and allowed me to focus on other aspects of the business.”
Although these robots do not replace human interaction, they serve as a crucial support system in times of staffing difficulties. “In these challenging times,” Hill emphasizes, “having robots that can ensure consistency in service is paramount for restaurant owners facing labor shortages.”
H.I.G Technology currently has around 40 robots deployed across the country, and the cost for a single robot is estimated to be around $15,000. As the acceptance and adoption of robot waiters continue to grow, the dining experience is being revolutionized, offering both efficiency for restaurants and unique curiosity for customers.
FAQ
Q: Are robot waiters replacing human staff entirely?
A: No, robot waiters are not meant to replace human staff. They are designed to provide support and assistance to restaurant owners amidst labor shortages, offering consistency and productivity in their operations.
Q: How do these robot waiters function?
A: Robot waiters are programmed to navigate through the dining area, delivering food and drinks to tables. They also have the capability to clean the tables once customers have finished their meals.
Q: How many robot waiters are there currently in use?
A: H.I.G Technology has around 40 robot waiters deployed in various restaurants across the country.
Q: How much does a robot waiter cost?
A: The approximate cost of a single robot waiter is $15,000.
Source: KWQC – kwqc.com