NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi’s Kileleshwa neighborhood is now home to a unique blend of gastronomy and technology—Robot Café, Kenya’s first-ever robot restaurant.
Launched just two months ago, this innovative dining spot is attracting foodies and tech enthusiasts alike, eager to experience the future of dining.
With robots like Nadia, R24, and Claire taking center stage, the restaurant offers a glimpse into how technology is shaping the hospitality industry.
Walking into Robot Café, the first thing you notice is the sleek, white robots stationed strategically around the room.
These mechanical servers, each with a distinct name and role, are not just for show—they are integral to the dining experience.
“Your order is ready. You are welcome,” Nadia announces, prompting an eager diner to retrieve their meal with the push of a button. With two trays attached to her frame, Nadia is designed to carry food from the kitchen to the tables.
However, drinks are still served by human waitstaff due to the robots’ limitations in handling liquids on uneven surfaces—a testament to the ongoing collaboration between humans and machines at Robot Café.
Each table is equipped with a QR code that allows customers to browse the menu and place orders directly from their smartphones.
Once an order is ready, the kitchen staff places the food on the robot’s tray, and with a few taps on an iPad, the robot is dispatched to the correct table.
It’s a seamless process that blends the efficiency of automation with the personalized touch of human service.
Naturally, the introduction of robots in any workplace raises concerns about job displacement.
However, John Kariuki, the manager of Robot Café, assures that the robots are not here to replace humans but to enhance their work.
“The robots are part of the waiting team and are not here to substitute them,” Kariuki explains. “They help make their work easier.”
The café employs 52 human staff members who work alongside the robots, ensuring that every aspect of the dining experience is tailored to the customer’s needs.
While the robots handle tasks like food delivery and clearing tables, human waitstaff are still essential for taking orders, customizing meals, and serving drinks.
“We have not enabled the function to allow the robot to take orders,” Kariuki notes, adding that it’s a work in progress to ensure that robots can eventually take orders without errors.
Nairobi is integrating technology in all aspects of lifestyle and it’s fascinating to see some of these technologies launch in businesses locally.
