I Want This Robot!

Using augmented reality, the tablet also previews your food with a 3D hologram that you can see on your phone or tablet once you download the app. 

Developed by Yosun Chang, an intrepid hacker, PeppAR Waiter uses the SoftBank robot Pepper and Chang’s own augmented reality service — Holo Yummy— to create a futuristic ordering experience. According to Tech Crunch, food ordered and previewed successfully! After that, PeppAR will then bring you your order once it’s done.   

Tech Crunch has seen Pepper in action before – but never with the augmented-reality feature. Yosun used a menu from chef Dominique Crenn’s trendy (and pricy) San Francisco restaurant Atelier Crenn, which is already on the Holo Yummy platform. Chang hopes that her technology could have a place in high-end restaurants or hotels, where customers want to know what they're getting before it comes and would appreciate the robotic service.   

To date, we have seen many examples of robots being used in fast-food or quick-serve restaurants as a way to reduce labor and increase productivity.  This is the first time we're seeing it being used to enhance the experience and perhaps attract a customer who's looking not only for great food, but also a glimpse into what the future could be.