Places to visit in Osaka: Robot Café
When in Osaka, don’t miss an opportunity for a visit to HCI Robot Café, where Japanese hospitality intertwines seamlessly with cutting-edge technology.
You can find this place in Izumiotsu, Osaka. The cafe belongs to HCI Robot House project and serves as a showcase example where you can observe the recent advancements in Japan’s AI and robotics industries.
Amidst the challenge of a labor shortage in the service sector, Japan is embarking on a transformative journey by embracing robotic workforce solutions within the food and beverage industry. A shared problem faced by contemporary Japanese businesses is the scarcity of labor, a challenge exacerbated particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. This challenge is further compounded by the dynamics of an aging population and a declining birth rate.
In this presentation of a robot-operated restaurant, HCI Inc suggests the implementation of robots to handle tasks such as serving food, greeting guests and managing the available seats.
As the company highlights on their official website: “we decided to leverage HCI’s cultivated robotics and AI technology to create the world’s first ‘Robotic Employee Cafeteria System.’ This system serves as a showcase for those considering robot system integration and also functions as a ‘Robo-Café’ where the general public can dine.”
Every aspect of the café’s service operations, spanning from welcoming guests to cooking and delivering orders, is executed by robots. Upon entering, a compact AI robot named PLEN Cube by PLEN Robotics Inc takes on the role of greeting customers and informing them about available seats. Simultaneously, customers receive a personalized QR-code enabling them to place orders. This QR-code should be presented to the Cube’s camera for image recognition. Once scanned, the AI device transmits the order details to the central system, triggering the robots to initiate the cooking process.
Beyond welcoming guests, the PLEN Cube also engages in brief conversations with them. Customers can seek additional information about the café or even inquire about various locations and routes within the city.
Once the order is ready the robotic hand which is integrated in the process of serving and heating the food will pass the tray to the robot-waiter, which will deliver the order to the customer table.
In the café, a bunch of robots work together without any glitches. They’ve incorporate systems that help them avoid bumping into each other or the customers. In addition, they are equipped with platforms that can hold different-sized trays, making it easy to bring all sorts of food to the guests.
Once the robot gets to your table, it says your order number out loud and then asks you to confirm it by pressing a button on its screen. Once you confirm your order, you’re free to grab your food from the tray.
This mix of smart technology and friendly interaction makes the dining experience even better, ensuring a smoother and faster experience.
Once in Osaka, don’t miss a chance to visit a spot where robots are changing game in the service industry to address today’s challenges. Take this opportunity to engage with Japan’s cutting-edge technological advancements in the service industry at HCI Robot Café.
To learn more about the HCI Robot Café visit official HCI Robo House website.
Also, check out PLEN Robotics Youtube channel to learn about PLEN Robotics’ staff visit to the Robot Café and our collaborations with HCI Inc.
