PETALING JAYA: With restaurants phasing out the use of robot waiters, a supplier of the machines is optimistic it can continue to play a crucial role.
AK Success Robotics managing director Andy K. Singam reasoned that it is cheaper to use the robots compared to manpower in the long run.
“They are still relevant. Robots can work seven days a week and never fall sick. They do not need to be fed or be given accommodation.
“So, the cost is far cheaper than hiring humans which businesses have become too dependent on.
“The cost of operating a robot is less than RM1,200 a month. The robots also greet patrons when it serves, unlike human waiters!” he quipped.
Singam said his company manages about 70 robot waiters which are currently in use at eateries.
However, at the height of the manpower shortage three years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic, about 180 units were in service.
He said the newer robot waiter models are more efficient than the older models.
Singam added that the robots are suitable for use at larger restaurants that have wide pathways of at least 70cm for the machines to manoeuvre their way to tables accurately.
However, he said if a pathway is blocked, the newer models are able to find an alternative route.
“When restaurants try to maximise their seating and tables, there will be limited space for the robots to work smoothly and its function cannot be optimised,” he said, adding that he is currently marketing “janitor” robots that undertake floor cleaning and other work.
