Are Robots Transforming Restaurant Operations?
In the realm of food tech investment, a key principle is to avoid using “technology for technology’s sake.” While robotics have been present in the restaurant industry for a while, many operators have limited their use to pilot tests in select locations, rather than full-scale implementation.
At recent industry conferences, such as the National Restaurant Association Show, the presence of robots has dwindled, with ongoing debates about their cost, practicality, and overall effectiveness.
Recent Robotics Innovations
However, recent announcements indicate a shift towards integrating robotics more seamlessly into restaurant operations.
For instance, RobotLab has introduced new technology that enables servers to summon robots as needed, assigning them tasks similarly to human employees.
Meanwhile, Picnic Works has partnered with Roboworx to launch their automated pizza stations nationwide.
Tech Tracker Highlights
Tech Tracker monitors advancements in the restaurant technology sector, including developments from restaurants, vendors, digital platforms, and delivery services. Here’s a summary of the latest innovations:
RobotLab’s New Systems
Dallas-based RobotLab has launched two new systems to enhance robotics integration in restaurants, compatible with Bear Robotics’ Servi and Servi+ robots:
- Robot on Call: A smart watch that allows servers and managers to summon robots to specific tables or areas.
- ServeSwift: This system uses QR codes to remotely assign robots to tables. Guests scan a QR code, enter their receipt number, and the robot knows where to deliver the order.
Elad Inbar, Founder and CEO of RobotLab, explains that these products are designed to make restaurant staff more efficient. ServeSwift reduces the need for staff to locate guests manually, while Robot on Call maximizes the time servers spend in the dining area by reducing trips to the kitchen.
These technologies are already in use at various locations, including Area 254 in Texas, which employs three robots, 10 smart watches, and ServeSwift at each of its 70 tables.
Picnic Works and Roboworx Partnership
Picnic Works has teamed up with Roboworx, a subsidiary of Administrative Resource Options Inc., to deploy its automated pizza-making technology nationwide.
Roboworx will provide ongoing support and maintenance, ensuring that Picnic’s customers can use their robots without disrupting daily operations.
Michael Bridges, CEO of Picnic, emphasizes their commitment to innovation in food and technology, stating that Roboworx’s automation expertise aligns perfectly with Picnic’s mission to help their customers succeed.
AI Enhancements for Personalized Dining
AI is becoming increasingly important in the restaurant industry, particularly for creating personalized dining experiences. Recently, Givex and Brightloom have introduced new AI capabilities aimed at enhancing customer interactions:
Givex’s EngageAI
EngageAI builds customer profiles based on interactions, such as loyalty programs and credit card transactions. This data allows for personalized marketing campaigns, sending custom notifications and messages based on guest behavior.
Mo Chaar, Chief Commercial Officer of Givex, notes that EngageAI enables businesses to communicate more relevantly with each customer, fostering deeper relationships and improving customer retention.
Brightloom’s Answers
Brightloom’s AI chatbot, Answers, uses generative AI to answer marketing questions based on customer insights. It can respond to queries like “What are my restaurant’s most popular menu items?” and “What personalized marketing campaign can I use for my frequent customers?”
Kellie Zimmerman, CEO of Brightloom, highlights that this tool democratizes data access, making sophisticated insights available to all businesses, not just large chains.
Advances in Payment and Loyalty Integration
NCR Voyix and Aloha Pay-at-Table
Despite mixed feelings about QR code technology, NCR Voyix has launched Aloha Pay-at-Table powered by Sunday, which lets customers view their bill, split costs, pay, and tip via QR code.
This development is part of the broader trend of expanding QR code capabilities and reducing the need for bulky hardware.
Thanx and Bite Partnership
Thanx, a loyalty platform, and Bite, a kiosk solutions company, have partnered to integrate loyalty programs into kiosk technology. This allows customers to access loyalty points and rewards at in-store kiosks, similar to how they would on websites or apps.
Brandon Barton, CEO of Bite, emphasizes that this integration enhances the personalized and rewarding experience for customers, keeping businesses competitive.
These advancements signal a significant move towards more practical and efficient use of technology in the restaurant industry, promising improved operations and enhanced customer experiences.