Robots replace waiters in Alibaba diners
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Alibaba has launched a series of diners staffed by robotic waiters.
The initiative is designed to offer a restaurant service with higher efficiency and lower overheads on staff.
Alibaba product manager Cao Haitao, who brought the concept to fruition, said, “In Shanghai, a waiter costs up to 10,000 yuan (US$1465) per month. That’s hundreds of thousands in cost every year. And two shifts of people are needed. But we don’t need two shifts for robots and they are on duty every day.”
The diners are linked to another Alibaba-backed semi-automated business concept, Hema supermarkets, in which goods are brought to customers on a conveyor track when ordered in-store via a mobile app. There are currently 57 Hema supermarkets throughout China, and all of these will eventually launch diners with robotic waiters.
The serving robots are comparable in size to a microwave oven and navigate the restaurants on purpose-built tracks at table height.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason Alibaba is introducing robotic waiters in its diners?
What is the primary reason Alibaba is introducing robotic waiters in its diners?
Alibaba's initiative aims to provide restaurant service with greater efficiency and reduced overhead costs associated with staff. Robotic waiters eliminate the need for multiple human shifts, thus cutting annual expenses significantly.
Q.How many Hema supermarkets currently exist, and how will they be involved with these new diners?
How many Hema supermarkets currently exist, and how will they be involved with these new diners?
There are currently 57 Hema supermarkets across China. All of these supermarkets are planned to eventually launch diners that will be staffed by robotic waiters, linking the two concepts.
Q.How do these robotic waiters operate within the diners?
How do these robotic waiters operate within the diners?
The serving robots are approximately the size of a microwave oven. They navigate the restaurants by moving along purpose-built tracks installed at table height, delivering items to customers.
Q.How much does a human waiter cost per month in Shanghai, according to the article?
How much does a human waiter cost per month in Shanghai, according to the article?
In Shanghai, a human waiter can cost up to 10,000 yuan per month, which equates to US$1465. This cost is a major factor in Alibaba's decision to use robots.