For fast-food help, call in the robots
By Michael Kanellos, CNET News.com March 26, 2007
Retrieved from CNET Tech News
http://news.com.com/For+fast-food+help%2C+call+in+the+robots/2100-11394_3-6170097.html?tag=st.txt.caro
This article talks about a robot system called Hyperactive Bob which was developed by Hyperactive Technologies. The company was founded based on the bad quick-service restaurant experience of one of the founders. This robot system, using computer vision and artificial intelligence systems, helps to manage kitchens at quick-service restaurants through the use of computer vision and artificial intelligence systems. Hyperactive Bob does not assemble the food instead he uses his vision system and artificial intelligence to issue cooking orders to workers. This robot system helps quick-service restaurants to ensure that food is cooked only when it is needed and this ensures fresher food for the consumers. Currently, this robot system is installed in approximately 115 Zaxby's restaurants in the Southeastern United State. Pilot systems have been installed in Popeye's Chicken and Jack in the Box outlets and Carl's Jr. will soon begin a pilot program.
I think that this robot system shows great potential. The article states that “there are 125,000 restaurants in the U.S. that could adopt the system” so there is obviously a good consumer base for the product. The major downside of this technology is that it is expensive. The hardware, consisting of a Windows PC and in-kitchen touch screens, sells for $5,000 and restaurants pay $3,000 a year for a software license. Even though this system is expensive the Zaxby's chain believes it is well worth its cost. They say the robot system has saved an average of $8,000 in reduced food waste per year and it has also resulted in higher sales and lower employee turnover.
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I think that this is a very feasible and practical idea. Fast food is definitely not rocket science. And even if the robots did make mistakes, it's not as if your order is right evry time you eat at a fast food restaurant. I think this would really affect the job market though, What would all of those who work in the industry do for a job. How could the average 16 year old save up for a car??
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