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Wordless Wednesday…Danger, Will Robinson!

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Home Stager

Wordless Wednesday…Danger, Will Robinson!

 

While I love technology, I’ve never been overly fond of robots. I can understand them in manufacturing plants but in restaurants?? I suppose it’s inevitable with staffing shortages, and it’s also a nice marketing gimmick.

From my reading, The Rise of Restaurant Robots, I learned they can also carry a heavier load than you or I. Think of those huge trays some servers carry!

 

Saturday, at my niece’s birthday lunch, we had the opportunity to see them in action. They got my attention!

 

Like the Roomba vacuums, they had some trouble maneuvering around chairs but all in all, not bad!

This one brought our meals and delivered the birthday cake. But that’s not all…it was also programmed to sing Happy Birthday! 

 

                                



What do you think???

 

Posted by

Kathy Streib
Retired Home Stager
and Interior Redesign

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Comments(20)

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Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

I don't think I am ready for robot delivering and singing Happy Birthday.  Did everyone present join in or just listen?  

Jun 11, 2025 04:38 AM
Kathy Streib

Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518 We were all surprised and wanted to hear the robot sing, so when it was done, yes, we all sang Happy Birthday to her!!!

Jun 11, 2025 10:01 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

A restaurant robot? That's a new one for me. Do we tip with extra batteries?

Jun 11, 2025 04:42 AM
Kathy Streib

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 your comment is priceless.    Now that you say that...I wonder if we're expected to tip as much to the human waiters since they didnt have to carry the trays. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:05 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Kathy... I certainly can't top the comment by Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400! For me, that might be a tad futuristic. 

Jun 11, 2025 04:48 AM
Kathy Streib

Nina Hollander, Broker I can handel the robotic carts but I don't think I could take the robots that look like humans. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:06 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Kathy Streib I get it... it's actually kind of creepy.

Jun 11, 2025 10:07 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Kathy - hmm, what do I think?  Hmm, yes, I am old enough to know the Lost in Space television series reference to Danger, Will Robinson was my first thought.  While I haven't yet seen a robot server in person, I have seen different robotic systems delivering stuff of many kinds.  Food for thought continues - with and without candles.  And Happy Belated Birthday to your neice.  🎵🎂🎶

Jun 11, 2025 04:55 AM
Kathy Streib

Thank you Michael Jacobs Robots or the ones designed to look like humans frighten me because they remind me too much of Frankenstein who has always scared me. I am also not fond of clowns. TMI?

Jun 11, 2025 10:08 AM
Michael Jacobs

Kathy Streib - while I don't suffer from coulrophobia, I sense that the fear is quite real.  I do think they are a bit creepy.  

Jun 11, 2025 10:43 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Kathy. Experienced food delivery to the table by a robot. The server was free to make sure she placed it on the table, kept our coffee cups full and made sure we had all we needed. Enjoy your day.

Jun 11, 2025 05:05 AM
Kathy Streib

Wayne Martin that's what ours was like. The human servers were still there. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:08 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Kathy.

I have not yet seen a restaurant robot server. Do they expect a tip?

Jun 11, 2025 05:56 AM
Kathy Streib

Roy Kelley Hmmmm my tip for the robot servers would be "don't go out in the rain, or you'll fry. "

Jun 11, 2025 10:09 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I didn't like the singing by the cart. No one joined in the singing. Nothing like a bunch of servers all getting into the action with a joyous song!

Jun 11, 2025 06:01 AM
Kathy Streib

Kat Palmiotti it was a bit weird but we all watched because it was new to us. After the robot left we sang a human version of the song. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:10 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Robotaxi's are being launched in Austin, I wonder if Dorie Dillard Austin TX will try one out for us and blog about it?

Jun 11, 2025 06:12 AM
Kathy Streib

Brian England Maybe so but I draw the line at being driven by anything other than a human. Too much opportunity for someone to hack the car. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:11 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

There is a Chinese restaurant near us that supposedly uses robots for delivering the food. I have been to restaurants where you order everything with a small terminal at the table, then the food is delivered by a person. This takes it to the next level.

Jun 11, 2025 07:05 AM
Kathy Streib

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 I didn't notice them until I caught a glimpse of it moving by the table.  I wonder what the servers think of it?  I didn't mind the robot server because a person took the orders and checked on us. I like that better than ordering from a terminal at the table. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:32 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

As long as morons like Bernie Sanders say basic starter jobs require we pay a "living wage" those jobs will go away (replaced by high tech). I feel for the kids who are 16 and want to get a job to take their girlfriend to a movie...or save for school. 

Jun 11, 2025 07:17 AM
Kathy Streib

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty I know. What kinds of jobs will be left for them...ones that allow for flexible hours for students.  The self checkout lines have already eliminated many jobs. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:37 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Kathy,
Thanks for sharing the video. I haven't had a robotic experience at a restaurant yet. I suppose Wenatchee is too small for that so far. I do understand the shift, though, with staffing shortages.

Jun 11, 2025 07:31 AM
Kathy Streib

Carol Williams I remember during COVID, companies paid bonuses for busboys and waiters. There was one employer who couldn't get anyone to show up because they made more money staying home. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:40 AM
Carol Williams

I remember that, Kathy Streib. That was soooo wrong. 

Jun 11, 2025 10:46 AM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

This is fascinating, Kathy! It's certainly a sign of the times, and seeing them sing "Happy Birthday" is quite a memorable experience. Thanks for sharing the video!

Jun 11, 2025 07:34 AM
Kathy Streib

Dennis Neal it was a novel idea but we still sang Happy Birthday to her. What happens if they go on strike?!

Jun 11, 2025 10:42 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this fun and insightful post, Kathy Streib! I really appreciate the mix of tech and human touch you brought to the story. Robots are fascinating, but honestly, I feel dealing with a robot is more gimmicky than anything else. We weren’t designed to interact with cold heartless machines. I prefer the warm emotional appeal that genuine connection with people brings every time. 😊 Thanks again for the share. It’s definitely a fresh perspective!

Jun 11, 2025 07:55 AM
Kathy Streib

Lew Corcoran I agree with you. Part of our "socialization" is that we we get out and engage with others. How can you do that with a robot!

Jun 11, 2025 10:43 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kathy there is a least one very positive thing about robots working in restaurants.  You don't have to worry about them spitting on your food.  🤣

Jun 11, 2025 10:22 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

Interesting and so sci-fi! Tips might be calculated in to pay for the cost of the waiter on wheels or food might cost more, Kathy! Maybe?

Happy Happy Birthday to your niece, so FUN!!!

Jun 11, 2025 11:35 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Kathy, not sure if I am ready for robots for delivery.   Guess we wouldn't need to tip?   they don't pay taxes?

Jun 11, 2025 04:30 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Kathy, good to see you but do not be naive about robots since they have been with us for decades and will increase.  They will take the mundane rote jobs and the Waymos can be seen in some cities.  It will grow as AI increases and must be controlled.  Have a great summer.

Jun 12, 2025 03:36 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Happy Birthday Sung by a robot......well it's kind of interesting but it sure looses the personal touch by a long shot.  I imagine kids might like it!  I have not seen any restaurant robots around PHX yet Kathy.   Not fine dining by a long shot!  LOL

Jun 12, 2025 03:58 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

Kathy Streib - for kids it might be more fun than to people from our generation. There ain't nothing like the real thing. Is this the future? I'm afraid so. 

When my house caught fire and I had to wait for the insurance company and fire marshal to get back to me after their investigations, I worked at Abbott during the day and a Pizza place at night. Those trays were very heavy! It was even heavier when someone would stop me and ask questions while my arms started to tremble. My worst fear was dropping the tray. Luckily, it never happened. Carrying drinks on trays were top heavy and I couldn't let them tip. 

Jun 13, 2025 07:05 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I'm sure it was entertaining, and very amusing especially to children. However, I agree with Lew Corcoran  about it being gimmicky.

I don't see the point in it bringing the cake to the table and singing, only to have the waitress still have to be there to place cake on table. What does it cost the restaurant to have a robot? Are they passing the expense on to customers via prices? 

Jun 14, 2025 01:52 PM