Robots and the Future of Caterers
Overview
The future of catering is set to dramatically change with the increasing integration of robotics technology. The continuous evolution of the catering industry has led to an estimated 2.1 million robots operating globally with an expected increase to 3.6 million by 2022. In this guide, we discuss how these changes could revolutionize the catering sector.
Emergence of Robots in Catering
The catering sector has always been labor-intensive. However, the rise in popularity of automated systems in the kitchen has seen exponential growth, with up to 73% of mundane tasks being automated. Automation has given birth to "robo-chefs", electronic wait staff and automated delivery systems. Within this new era of restaurant operation, robot utilization is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.56% by 2025.
Economic and Productivity Benefits
Catering businesses are looking for ways to boost profitability and efficiency while minimizing labor costs. By utilizing robots, they can enhance their performance, reduce human error, and maintain sanitary conditions. It is projected that businesses implementing robotic systems can reduce labor costs by about 22%, resulting in significant economic benefits. Moreover, restaurants using automated systems are forecasted to increase productivity by 20% by 2030.
Roles of Robots in Catering
The roles of robots in catering are broad, encompassing food services, waitstaff, and delivery systems. This gives businesses a chance to diversify their offering and streamline their services. A survey by Oracle revealed as many as 80% of businesses expect to have robot assistance by 2027. With drone delivery becoming increasingly available, numbers suggest about 40% of all deliveries will be carried out by autonomous vehicles by 2030.
Customer Reception
Despite apprehensions about unmanned catering services, a report by ResearchAndMarkets reveals that approximately 70% of customers are positive about dining at robot-assisted restaurants. Customer feedback mirrors this, with clients appreciating the novelty of robot service and their efficiency.
Key Takeaways
• Robotics in catering is on the rise, projected to reach 3.6 million globally by 2022 and increasing by a CAGR of 13.56% by 2025.
• Economic benefits and productivity increase are significant reasons catering businesses are adopting robotics - promising a reduction of around 22% in labor costs and productivity increase by 20% by 2030.
• The roles of robots in catering are broad, enhancing customer experience with businesses expecting to have robot assistance by 2027 and delivery by autonomous vehicles expecting to hit 40% by 2030.
• Positive customer reception with 70% of patrons keen on dining at robot-assisted restaurants.
3Laws Robotics
3Laws Robotics, currently addressing certification challenges, is pioneering the development of innovative software to enhance safety and reliability for robotics systems. Their software, '3Laws Supervisor,' aims to simplify this process by offering robust safety features and evidence of system robustness - not only easing up the certification path but also providing seamless human-robot interaction and ensuring effective navigation in unpredictable surroundings.
Enhancement in operational efficiency is achievable by minimizing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions, and allowing robots to operate closer to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety. The adaptable software can work with a vast range of platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators. 3Laws Robotics presents a next-generation safety solution promising dynamic, predictive safety that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.