NAIROBI, Kenya
A new restaurant in Kenya’s capital is generating a buzz about more than just its food.
Located in the heart of Kileleshwa, a bustling neighborhood in Nairobi, the eatery offers a glimpse at the future of hospitality, and its name – Robot Cafe – sums up the reason for the hype.
The star attractions here are its three robot servers, the first ever in Kenya and East Africa, who are redefining the dine-out experience for anyone walking in through the doors.
One of them is Nadia, who effortlessly glides across the restaurant, delivering food from the kitchen to the tables.
Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and self-driving technology, Nadia navigates the dining area with precision, avoiding obstacles and ensuring that each order is delivered accurately and efficiently.
“We wanted to create an unforgettable dining experience that combines technology with great service,” John Kariuki Mwangi, the cafe’s manager, told Anadolu.
“Our robot servers have helped streamline our operations. They’ve made the delivery system more efficient, while also freeing up our human staff to focus on what they do best: connecting with our customers.”
Emily Njoroge, a customer, was visibly excited as she sat down for a meal.
“It’s quite a sight to behold,” she said, gesturing toward the robots whizzing around with trays of food and drinks.
“It’s fascinating to see how seamlessly the robots interact with their surroundings. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie!”
Novelty and concerns
The primary function of the robots, as Mwangi explained, is to enhance efficiency and add a touch of novelty to the dining experience.
They greet customers with a friendly digital smile and even sing for anyone who happens to be celebrating their birthday, much to the delight of patrons.
“It’s definitely a conversation starter,” said Martin Omar, a diner celebrating his birthday.
“The robot singing ‘Happy Birthday’ was a fun and unexpected surprise. What’s even better is how the staff are using the technology to make the dining experience more enjoyable. It’s not just about the food here, it’s about the whole experience.”
As the first restaurant in Kenya with robot servers, the cafe has also sparked discussions about the future of the industry.
Some worry about the potential impact on human employment, while others question the authenticity of an experience mediated by technology.
“Working with these robots has been amazing,” said Grace Waweru, a waitress at the restaurant.
“At first, we weren’t sure how it would work out because it was kind of threatening our jobs, but they have taken a lot of pressure off during the busy hours. I can now spend more time chatting with customers and making sure they’re happy.”
Mwangi, the manager, said he believes the technology “has the potential to revolutionize the dining experience.”
“The robots are not here to replace our staff, they’re here to assist them. Our goal is to use technology to improve efficiency and service, not to take away the human element that is so important in hospitality,” he said.
“The robot servers are just the beginning. We’re constantly exploring new ways to use technology to improve our work.”
