A robot has been transporting Detroit Coneys and other food orders to customers at American Coney Island in downtown Detroit, but it’s only a trial run, said the restaurant’s owner.
American Coney Island owner Grace Keros said the robot, which was provided by robotics company RobotLAB, arrived at the famed Detroit restaurant last week.
“People like it,” she said. “It’s fun. It’s something fun.”
Keros said the robot could leave American Coney Island soon because it’s going to be tested at other restaurants as well. She said she doesn’t think it’s something she is going to be purchasing at this time, but she might at a later date.
The robot doesn’t have arms or legs ― “it rolls around.”
“You put the food on it, you punch in what table it goes to, and it goes right to that table,” she said, “and then the waiter follows it, and the waiter takes the food off the robot and puts it on the table.”
Keros said it’s “different” and “interesting.”
Employees can place several items on each of Alice’s four trays. They then select one of five “zones,” or areas of the restaurant, to let Alice know where to deliver each order.
Alice rolls away with a cheery, “I promise I will complete the task. See you later!”
“It cuts down on a little bit (of work) so I won’t have always keep come running and get the food,” employee Dee Carter said. “I can still take orders while Alice is sending it to them.”
The robot plays a jaunty tune while rolling to its destination. When the meals arrive, Alice tells customers, “Your delicious meal is here,” then rolls on to make another delivery or back to the front of the eatery to await further instructions.
“Is the robot here to replace an employee? Absolutely not,” Keros said.
Some customers aren’t so sure, though.
“It might take somebody’s job, but if it makes (staff’s) job easier, that’s cool,” said Tony Chenault.
Keros said American Coney Island is “all about waiting on customers” and customer service. She said the robot could work better in other spaces, including carry-out and self-serve establishments. At her restaurant, staff members “take care of you” and pick up your dishes, she said.
“We have a certain kind of charm here,” Keros said. “We’re unique in our own way.”
Jason Ashton of Los Angeles, who was visiting American Coney Island on Wednesday while in Detroit for business, agreed with the general consensus among customers: Alice is “cool.”
“I think it’s helpful. It’s a cool piece of technology,” Ashton said between bites of chili cheese fries.
asnabes@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: American Coney Island tests robot to deliver food orders
Reporting by Anne Snabes and Max Reinhart, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
