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Baraka Learat (L) takes his drink after being delivered by a robotic waiter (R) at the Robot Café, the first robotic restaurant in East Africa and the second on the continent to employ humanoid robots as waiters, in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, Kenya, 29 August 2024. The restaurant has been attracting tech enthusiasts and foodies since its launch two months ago. Baraka Learat, a 25-year-a first-time visitor, was captivated by this blend of technology and human interaction. “At first, I thought it was a joke, but it’s real. The robot came up, slowed down, and said, ‘Welcome.’ I wasn’t expecting that”, he says, clearly impressed. “It’s an exciting experience. I’ll definitely come back. The robots are a peek into the future, even though there’s still a human touch missing”. Despite the futuristic setup, Robot Café employs 52 staff members who work alongside the robots. Far from replacing human jobs, the robots enhance the dining experience and work in tandem with the staff. “Technology is here to stay”, the cafe manager John Kariuki notes. “The robots complement our service rather than replace it”. (Photo by Daniel Irungu/EPA/EFE)
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