Do robots love their customers? Automated restaurants face human issues

A Bear Robotics robot delivers food to tables at Denny’s in Burbank, California. Technology promises cost savings, but it turns out the dining experience is all about feelings. — Photos: The New York Times

On a recent Thursday afternoon at a Denny’s in Long Beach, California, a four-foot-tall robot glided toward Diane Deconnick’s table. Its three tiered trays could have hauled a feast, but they were empty except for a bowl of soup and a fried chicken salad.

As the machine rolled to a stop, a scrolling digital display announced, “FOOD IS HERE.”