The food service industry in Singapore is now exploring deploying robot waiters around restaurants to provide a “unique service and dining experience” for customers. 

The robot waiters—created by 365Robots—are described as a game-changing approach to adjust to evolving needs within the industry. They are expected to handle repetitive tasks, navigate crowds, collect dishes, transport food around the restaurant, and even track tables and orders. In addition, the robots are considered to be beneficial for business owners as they are claimed to solve manpower shortages and be more cost efficient-compared to human workers. 365Robot’s waiters are also said to be easily manageable, while providing an improved customer experience and presenting a team with increased productivity and satisfaction. 

However, with robots understanding more complex tasks like waitering, should we be worried?

Along with the rise of robots’ intelligence and capabilities, the threat to human work expands, especially in certain industries where workers are expected to have skills that allow them to handle multiple demands at once. This might be a problem as robots can easily replace their current jobs. 

Restaurant workers already receive low wages and fewer benefits, resulting in the struggle to make ends meet. According to Payscale.com, waiters and waitresses in the Philippines earn an average of Php 54.76 per hour, which is lower than the daily minimum wage of Php 570 in Manila if you account for 8-hour work days.

Though the introduction of innovative shifts such as robot waiters may seem exciting,  it is worth noting that soon enough it can narrow down options for those who are in the search for jobs, and eventually leave vulnerable people like waiters jobless.