Selfridges are stepping up their innovation and have introduced a robotic bartender and barista.
The coffee making robot, ‘YuMi’ is created by tech company ABB and can be found on the lower ground floor, within the technology department. YuMi finds your cup, turns the coffee machine on and adds the espresso capsule. If that’s not enough, YuMi also performs dance moves between each coffee, for your entertainment.
Following the success of the coffee robot, Selfridges has added a bartending robot to the mix, for the holiday season. This robot is created by Makr Shakr and can also be found on the lower ground floor, in technology. The robot serves a wide variety of drinks to Christmas shoppers.
To order, simply download the Makr Shakr app, and pick from a variety pre-made mixes or create your own. All cocktails will be made fresh and served in a reusable cup. Age is verified by customers scanning their ID in the app.
Following a general consumer survey only 11% are interested in customer service robotics, so it’s no surprise that the reviews for the robot barista and bartender have been mixed. Some find the idea fascinating; while others find it slightly disturbing.
Although the concept is intriguing now, I believe once the novelty has worn off, Selfridges will see customers become disinterested. It seems they also saw this coming as the robot bartender will only be in-store until February 2020.
Results from the survey conducted found that consumer prefer for the developments within technology to take place behind the scenes in order to improve systems and logistics. Consumers want technological advances to be used to create more personalised and smooth service within store.
Business of Future Retail 