Boparan Restaurant Group introduces service robots to UK restaurant

Boparan Restaurant Group has announced the implementation of two service robots trialled at its latest restaurant, with plans to expand the use of AI technology across more than 100 restaurants if the trial proves successful.

BRG introduces service robots at UK restaurant

One of the UK’s largest hospitality groups, Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), has announced the implementation of two service robots.

The robots are being trialled at BRG’s latest restaurant – Slim Chickens in Guildford, which opened last week.

Nick Smith, commercial director of BRG, said: “We are committed to evolving the guest experience whilst supporting our teams in delivering the quality food and hospitality that Slim Chickens and BRG are famous for.”

With the use of artificial intelligence, the robots deliver food to customers at 4mph using laser guided technology.

The robots will be rolled out across BRG’s estate of over 100 restaurants nationwide if the trial proves successful.

The trial will put no jobs at risk, however, with the robots implemented to give “the restaurant team with more time to focus on engaging with and serving customers”, according to a company press release.

Smith added: “The robots, along with our kiosks, app and table ordering, are the next stage in our digital journey. We don’t plan to replace our team with robots, they are here to support them and make their jobs easier.”

The artificial intelligence robots have been designed to engage with guests through spoken conversation, take orders and deliver dishes, both to tables and for collection. They also purr when touched by customers. Infrared cameras, laser radars and sensors to ensure smooth transitions, navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Shenzhen-based technology company Pudu is responsible for designing the robots, named KettyBots.

Elsewhere in the world, a fleet of 2,000 robot cats were deployed to stand in for human waiters at a Japanese restaurant chain to plug the human resources gap. Read more on that here.

Leave your reply

Most Recent Stories

London's hottest restaurant openings: December 2023

Christmas is the time of year to eat, drink and be merry – here are some of the new London spots worth dropping by this festive season.

Tributes paid to Russell Norman

The restaurateur credited with transforming London's dining scene with the opening of Polpo, Spuntino and Brutto, died last week at the age of 57.

Mendoza sweeps up Michelin stars

In the very first edition of the Michelin Guide in Argentina, Mendoza took home four of the six stars in an awards ceremony last week firmly placing the wine region at the top of any gastronome’s bucket list of places to visit.

WLC Eats: The Clove Club, Shoreditch

Douglas Blyde heads to what was once Shoreditch Town Hall to visit The Clove Club. While there, he explores the two Michelin-starred restaurant's "masterful" and "memorable" tasting menu, and raises the question of why chef-patron Isaac McHale hasn't written a book yet.

Norfolk pub owner uses canoe in face of floods

A pub landlord in Surlingham, Norfolk, estimated losses of £80,000 over the last two years due to floods, and has had to employ one unconventional method to transport deliveries and staff to work.

Most Recent Stories

London's hottest restaurant openings: December 2023

Christmas is the time of year to eat, drink and be merry – here are some of the new London spots worth dropping by this festive season.

Tributes paid to Russell Norman

The restaurateur credited with transforming London's dining scene with the opening of Polpo, Spuntino and Brutto, died last week at the age of 57.

Mendoza sweeps up Michelin stars

In the very first edition of the Michelin Guide in Argentina, Mendoza took home four of the six stars in an awards ceremony last week firmly placing the wine region at the top of any gastronome’s bucket list of places to visit.

WLC Eats: The Clove Club, Shoreditch

Douglas Blyde heads to what was once Shoreditch Town Hall to visit The Clove Club. While there, he explores the two Michelin-starred restaurant's "masterful" and "memorable" tasting menu, and raises the question of why chef-patron Isaac McHale hasn't written a book yet.

Norfolk pub owner uses canoe in face of floods

A pub landlord in Surlingham, Norfolk, estimated losses of £80,000 over the last two years due to floods, and has had to employ one unconventional method to transport deliveries and staff to work.