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Minor Marvel: Robots are gradually replacing human waiters and servers in restaurants. They will soon be cooking food as well
Alphadroid, a robotics firm from India, is working on incorporating robotics into India's hospitality industry, including hotels and high-end restaurants. But what obstacles does a RaaS, or Robotics as a Service, company encounter in India? Sanjeev Kumar, the creator of Alphadroid, provides insight.
Customers at restaurants in India are particularly tough to satisfy. They're looking for more than just delicious, photogenic meals; they crave something special. Above all, the overall dining experience must meet very high standards. This is where robots in the food service and hospitality sector come into play.
The next occasion you dine at a new, upscale Indian restaurant, don't be taken aback if a robot approaches to serve you or possibly even wait on your table. It's likely that they were installed by an Indian firm called Alphadroid.
2023 was marked as the year of Artificial Intelligence, with 2024 expected to be dominated by the field of robotics. This is evident from the humanoid robot Figure 01 by Figure, Tesla's Optimus, and virtually all innovations by Boston Dynamics, indicating that robots are becoming increasingly prevalent and possibly even conventional. Moreover, NVIDIA is also venturing into this domain with the announcement of a platform for robot development using its software and tools.
Numerous startups in India are diligently striving to create a wholly Indian-made robot. Meanwhile, companies like Alphadroid are devising innovative methods to incorporate existing robotic technology into our lives. Alphadroid, a company offering Robotics as a Service (RaaS), aims to cause a significant shift in the hospitality and healthcare sectors with their array of mobility-centric robots.
We had a brief conversation with Sanjeev Kumar, the creator of Alphadroid, to gain insight into the experience of managing a robotics firm in India, the type of rules robotics startups must comply with, and whether, in about ten years, our food will be entirely cooked and served by robot chefs. Here are some highlights from our discussion:
What are the difficulties in establishing a robotics enterprise in India, particularly one that combines a service such as food and hospitality? The primary area we are focusing on includes hospitality and front office management, whether it's in restaurants, hotels, or hospitals. These sectors are barely digitally optimized, presenting numerous possibilities where we can introduce technology to enhance efficiency and customer interaction.
This is how we founded Alphadroid and launched our independent mobility project in these areas. Currently, our main obstacle is to improve recognition and help eateries and similar enterprises in these sectors comprehend the potential benefits of robotics and AI.
When it comes to handling food and dining, there are few legal or regulatory limitations. We must adhere to certain standard rules, much like most tech companies. I believe the most significant hurdle would be demonstrating to the government and hospitality industry the potential of robotics within this sector. Another obstacle would be training the staff and alleviating any concerns about robots taking over human jobs. These are the most crucial issues.
What type of rules does a RaaS service supplier need to follow in India? Are there any difficulties they might face? The government has launched numerous initiatives. Not long ago, Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced several new programs at a ceremony in Lucknow. The Prime Minister is extremely proactive and knowledgeable about robotics and artificial intelligence.
Indian policies and regulations appear unprepared for the advent of advanced technologies. There are many unclear areas that require attention and numerous factors that need improvement. Nonetheless, numerous small and medium-sized enterprises and other entities are actively collaborating with the government on issues such as data management, the interplay of humans and machines, safety measures, insurance, and more.
Our responsibility as startups is to provide fundamental services from the outset. The goal is to handle certain elements and standardize them before the government needs to create regulations. This could include important areas such as human safety, health and cleanliness, and data privacy.
At the moment, Alphadroid is only catering to the front end of service sectors. Is there any intention to expand further? Are there any other sectors or models you are considering? This is simply the beginning. Additionally, we are definitively committed to remaining within the service industry, specifically in areas like hospitality or healthcare and other related sectors. Apart from AI, there are two crucial elements of robotics.
The initial aspect is maneuverability, permitting your device to relocate, while the second is the arm function, enabling you to grab, hoist or tug objects, and carry out other tasks.
We began by focusing on the movement aspect, developing our self-navigating robot. Along with this, we have a superior structure that is appropriate for environments like restaurants, hotels, and such. We're also working on creating structures for versions of our robots that will be useful in retail outlets and hospitals. Our goal is to continue progressing in this field of robotics. However, our ultimate aim is to achieve a stage where the combination of mobility and appendages can provide comprehensive automation.
Robots have already taken over jobs such as servers and busers in restaurants, and to some degree, even bartenders in a few locations. Could we see them taking over chef or line cook positions in the future? Many things we see on the internet are just well-designed concepts and not actual products. The market is currently undergoing a transformation. These changes will determine the capacity of robotics in such environments and the extent to which we can delegate tasks to them.
Will robots immediately take over the roles of chefs? Or will they assist individuals in key tasks? I believe they will, at least in some aspects.
Using cloud kitchens as an illustration, or any location with a rigid, defined menu, and easy-to-follow recipes, robots are set to take over the roles traditionally done by line chefs and cooks. In this context, it's quite likely that a majority of operations in a cloud kitchen will be handled by robots.
However, it might take several more years for kitchens to be fully automated. I predict that this won't be a reality for another seven to 10 years. Nonetheless, I must emphasize that robots won't completely take over from humans. Instead, they will serve as a supplementary aid to human effort.
What role do Alphadroid's robots play in enhancing the customer's experience in eateries? Have you noticed any shift in customer behavior? This was a two-fold process. We conducted a comprehensive analysis, beginning with a customer either making a booking or just walking in, examining how they order their meals and the way they receive their food.
We've identified specific aspects that require customers to engage with staff, particularly in a country like India where human interaction is essential. The majority of individuals aren't comfortable ordering via QR codes unless it's for very standard, basic items or beverages.
Additionally, patrons in India have specific tastes and frequently request customizations such as altering the level of spice in their food. They typically prefer to do this through human interaction. Yet, once their order is placed, the need for speedy delivery, better hygiene, and prompt billing arises. For these aspects, they believe a robotic server would be more efficient.
One more consideration is customer response. It's been observed that patrons who are somewhat reluctant to provide candid feedback to human staff tend to find it less uncomfortable to do so with a robot, as it eliminates any potential awkwardness.
What has been the reaction of restaurant employees where Alphadroid has been introduced? Our testing phase began last year as we launched the robot in October. Throughout this period, we were interested in observing the reactions and behaviors of the restaurant workers, administrators, and patrons.
Surprisingly, the initial reaction from all employees was one of anxiety. They were worried, and even disgusted by the thought of incorporating this technology into the company. Yet, this feeling was short-lived. As soon as we commenced trials, involved them, and instructed them on how to control the robots, they were able to grasp the basics and start using the devices within a half hour.
We witnessed a significant transition from reluctance in embracing the technology to understanding that these technologies won't supplant them. The pilot test helped them understand that the robots would assist them in concentrating on their priorities. Therefore, even if the initial phase was slightly rough, the reaction was generally favourable.
What was the reaction of the customers? Frequently, the field of robotics tends to promise more than it can actually deliver. People often visualize robots as they are portrayed in films and expect them to revolutionize the dining experience. However, that's not our objective. We aren't trying to alter the way restaurants operate. Instead, we're integrating technology into the existing business structure and enhancing its value proposition.
Naturally, upon their initial encounter with the robot, they are somewhat captivated. As they observe the robot serving food at their table, they instinctively begin to capture the moment on their mobile devices. They show interest in interacting with the robot too. However, this novelty soon fades and things return to normal, as though this is how they were always meant to be. After the initial excitement of having their food delivered by a robot, they become more relaxed and self-assured in their interactions with the robot.
After the robot delivers the meals, customers help themselves as most individuals are familiar with self-service and automation processes. Generally, the reception has been good, even with a short adjustment period.
India is a country with ample workforce. How has the market responded to Alphadroid? When I converse with Quick Service Restaurants or second or third tier eateries, their initial concern is usually the financial aspect, such as how much they will have to invest, the initial payment required, and if these robots will be more cost-effective than their existing staff. This helps them comprehend the importance of robotics and efficiency in the context of digital transformation, in terms they can easily grasp.
Once I begin conversations with four or five-star establishments, they swiftly understand that they'll receive improved productivity and user experience, as well as support for a few employee health aspects.
The majority of individuals employed in the hospitality industry, specifically in hotels and restaurants, are generally dissatisfied and facing difficulties, which in turn impact negatively on the businesses themselves. Furthermore, these employees often encounter significant health issues due to the physically demanding aspects of their jobs, such as carrying substantial weight and being constantly on the move.
They are working towards maintaining equilibrium. They are attempting to introduce automation. Thus, there's going to be a kind of transition occurring among various categories.
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