Singapore turns to machines at food courts to propel growth

Mann: ‘Singapore has been trying to be on the cutting edge of applying more automation.’

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s latest quest to boost productivity is playing out at a busy food court in the second terminal of Changi Airport.

There, hungry passengers can select their chicken rice or bowl of noodles from a machine, pay with a credit card and collect their food – all with minimal human interaction and in stark contrast with the abundant manpower commonly used in food courts elsewhere on the island.