Archives for the 'technology' tag
Touchscreen Dining: Lose the Waitstaff
Sick of surly waiters who still expect 20% tips? Equally tired of waiting for the advent of the robot waitstaff?
Enter the e-waiter.
Restaurants in Europe, the United States and Japan are testing technology to let diners order their food direct from a screen at their table instead of depending on a fellow human being to note their choice — sometimes grumpily or erroneously.
Besides cutting costs, companies that sell the “e-menu” argue the bytes-for-bites approach has a novelty value that can lure younger customers, and boost revenues as tantalising photographs of succulent steaks and gooey desserts tempt diners to order more.
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In Israel, privately owned start-up Conceptic has already installed e-Menu technology in sushi bars, pubs and family restaurants. The system is based on touch-screens already used in self-service canteens or for ticketing in airports and cinemas.
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In Japan, a company called Aska T3 has produced a similar system. But the field is attracting more than startups.
Microsoft says its new Microsoft Surface system, which transforms an entire table into one big touch-screen, is due to go live in spring 2008 in some U.S. hotels and casinos, letting customers order food direct as well as play music and games.
The Seattle-based giant says on its Web site it will “transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live”. Both Conceptic and Microsoft argue their examples of interactive and communal technology represent the future.
Reuters has more, including video. Conceptic site here. Microsoft Surface here.
Via MarketingVox.
