CUPERTINO, CA (WOWO) A service robot at a Northern California restaurant is drawing widespread attention after video captured the machine appearing to lose control and disrupt a dining area.
The incident happened at a hot pot restaurant in Cupertino, near San Jose, where the robot was seen striking a table and sending chopsticks, condiments and other items onto the floor. The footage shows staff stepping in as the machine continued moving erratically for several moments.
The restaurant is part of Haidilao, a global brand known for incorporating automation and artificial intelligence into its dining experience, including robots that deliver food and interact with customers.
Company representatives say the incident was not caused by a technical malfunction. Instead, the robot had been positioned too close to a table at a customer’s request, limiting its ability to perform safely in a confined space, according to Fox Business, which cited reporting from NBC.
The robot was initially performing a programmed routine before making contact with the table. Staff members then intervened to regain control of the device as it continued moving.
Haidilao has been a leader in automated dining technology, deploying robots in restaurants across China and expanding their use internationally. The company has also introduced smart kitchens and automated food preparation systems in select locations.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges as restaurants adopt robotics and artificial intelligence in customer-facing roles, particularly in environments where space and human interaction can affect performance.
1 comment
Industry has come a long way with robotic arms in the industrial work place. Injuries and death have drastically reduced, as we learn.
Safety, should be each integrator’s main focus. But another primary focus should centre around, “Should we..”
There are times that my company implements robotic arms, and think, “That was a great place for an Nachi!”.
However, there are always times when you have to think.. “Why, in the world, did we ever place a Fanuc there??”
Just because you can, doesn’t mean it’s a great idea.
But… it CAN do it. Anything can be programmed to accommodate a situation… but then, how much are you paying for the Integrator, the Robot, replacement Dishes,, replacement Food, Electricity, Maintenance and Reprogramming?
How far out is that ROI?
My first steady job was in a restaurant, when i was 15. While i wasn’t allowed to be upfront with the patrons, i was, however, allowed to help bus tables when a large-large party left!
😀
(Other than that, they kept me in the back washing dishes… because they thought i would scare the elderly people)
My observations of Waiting staff.. tell me that a robot, of this sort, will never function faster than a human.
Bussers and Wait staff are quick and efficient, when it comes to ALL duties associated with that portion of a restaurant.
Taking Orders, Special Requests, Food Deliver, Accommodations, Payment, Cleaning tables, chairs, and floors. Stocking condiments and folding napkins and utensils.
Wait staff, Busser staff, Cooking staff, Manager …and even the poor lonely little dishwasher in the back, ALL deserve more than this.
This is an obstacle, as opposed to something useful. This IS one of those times that you need to ask..
Should we?