AI in Hospitality: Robotic Baristas and AI Chefs

In a dazzling display of technological advancement, CES 2024 in Las Vegas showcased a new era of automation in the hospitality industry. Robot baristas, AI-powered chefs, and a myriad of other innovations took center stage, leaving both attendees and workers contemplating the future of their jobs.

The intricate artistry of pouring a latte, a skill that often takes months or years to master, was effortlessly replicated by an AI-powered barista at the event. However, amidst the marvel of such innovations, concerns echoed among workers, exemplified by Roman Alejo, a 34-year-old barista at the Sahara hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip. He expressed anxiety about the encroachment of AI into the hospitality sector, pondering the longevity of jobs in an era dominated by artificial intelligence.

The technological spectacle at CES comes just a month after the casino workers union in Las Vegas finalized new contracts for 40,000 members, concluding a contentious battle that underscored the threat of AI to union jobs. Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Workers Union’s secretary-treasurer, highlighted technology as a pivotal issue in the negotiations, emphasizing the union’s commitment to safeguarding jobs against technological advancements.

Experts point out that the convergence of artificial intelligence and robotics has…