Is Nairobi Ready for Robot Servers?

In Nairobi's Kileleshwa suburb, a new dining establishment is captivating both residents and visitors with its innovative approach to hospitality.

The Robot Café, located on the ground floor of Lana Plaza, is Kenya’s pioneering restaurant to incorporate robots into its workforce, blending science fiction with reality and offering a glimpse into the future of dining. Upon entering the Robot Café, patrons are welcomed by a sleek, modern interior where technology seamlessly integrates with hospitality. The café is distinguished by its use of three robots: two positioned strategically around the dining area and one stationed at the kitchen counter. These robots are far from mere novelties as they play a crucial role in the restaurant’s operations.

One notable robot is Nadia, a female bot adorned in a striking red outfit. Nadia’s primary function is to deliver food to the tables. Each table is equipped with a QR code that diners can scan to access the menu. Orders can be placed online or through a human waiter. Once an order is prepared, a bell rings to alert the waiter, who then places the food on Nadia’s tray. Using an iPad, the waiter sends Nadia on her way to deliver the meal. Observing Nadia in action is a fascinating experience. She moves with smooth efficiency, navigating the restaurant with ease.

Currently, her role is limited to delivering food while human waiters manage drinks and payments. This blend of human and robotic service creates a distinctive and efficient dining experience. The introduction of robotic servers at the Robot Café is not merely a gimmick but represents a significant advancement in the hospitality sector. John Kariuki, the café’s manager, explains that the concept emerged from a desire to differentiate the café in a competitive market.

“One of the company directors, who has travelled extensively, saw many innovative dining concepts. While many restaurants can serve good food and maintain a polished appearance, standing out requires something different. So we chose robots,” Kariuki notes.

Since its inception, the Robot Café has been warmly received. The novelty of robot servers has attracted both locals and tourists, quickly establishing the café as a popular destination. While the use of robots in food service is not entirely new, with similar concepts seen in the United States and China, the Robot Café marks a significant milestone for East Africa’s technological advancement. While some express concerns about robots replacing human jobs, industry experts argue that such technology is intended to enhance efficiency and service quality. They also highlight the need to incorporate technology training into hospitality education to prepare the workforce for these changes.