An android barista kiosk named Jarvis is causing a sensation at a Japanese home goods store Muji in Hudson Yards. The machine autonomously handles coffee orders, dances, makes eye contact with customers, and even provides recommendations on drink preferences. The robot, named after Iron Man’s virtual assistant, uses QR codes to prepare and serve beverages with the help of a connected iPad and a camera lens for visual interaction with customers.
Customers are drawn to Jarvis not only for its mechanical mastery but also for the entertainment value it provides. Despite the already pricey orders, customers are willing to tip the robot for its services. The tips go towards Jarvis’ human manager for maintenance and upkeep of the commercial equipment. Artly, the company behind Jarvis, has deployed 25 robots in 12 locations in the US, with plans for more locations to be announced soon.
Jarvis has garnered a following in New York City, with repeat customers and fans of the robot’s abilities. While some customers appreciate the novelty and entertainment value of the robot, others believe it is a positive advancement in technology that allows people to focus on themselves and their families. Despite the efficiency of human baristas in comparison to the single-armed robot, customers like seeing Jarvis in action and are eager to see more self-serve robots in the future.
Despite being a cold, emotionless robot, Jarvis is able to lock eyes with customers and evoke enough guilty pressure to prompt a 20% tip. The robot’s AI technology allows it to handle orders through a connected iPad and provide personalized recommendations to customers. Jarvis has a masculine voice that projects the customer’s name onto the pickup counter with an approximate wait time before serving a drink, enhancing the overall customer experience.
The robot operates based on tips from customers, prompting them to pay it forward on a tablet screen before or after receiving their orders. The tips go towards the maintenance and upkeep of Jarvis’ equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. While some may view the robot as a threat to the barista industry, others see it as a positive advancement in technology that allows for easier workloads and more time for personal activities.
Despite being a single-armed machine that takes orders one at a time, Jarvis has impressed customers with its mechanical prowess and ability to interact with them visually. Customers appreciate the entertainment value of the robot and are willing to tip it for its services, leading to a dedicated following in New York City. Artly, the company behind Jarvis, has plans to expand its robot deployments to new locations, further enhancing the customer experience with innovative technology in the food and beverage industry.
