Robots to take over servicing customers at Sip & Stone Restaurant and Bar

SSP Group is experimenting with using robots to help with day-to-day tasks.

Food & beverage group SSP Group will be trialing the use of robots to serve customers at  Belfast International Airport.

The trial will see six service robots deployed at the Sip & Stone Restaurant and Bar.

 The trial – the first of its kind in SSP UK – sees six service robots deployed later this month at the Sip & Stone Restaurant and Bar. The robots will introduced will be two types. First is a robot called ‘BellaBot’ which will bring food and drinks from the kitchen whilst the ‘HolaBot’ will collect plates and cutlery once customers have left their tables.

‘HolaBot’ can be called remotely by colleagues to clear any section of the restaurant as necessary. Bella Bot is also equipped with a voice and screen system and can greet customers for a true human-robot interaction. 

“Sip and Stone is a high-volume, family-friendly unit, welcoming large numbers of guests in short amounts of time. The restaurant setup means the robots will easily be able to assist colleagues and contribute to improving the overall dining experience, making it the ideal trial candidate. The information we gain from this trial will help to highlight the potential for development and improvement of standards both here at Belfast and ultimately at other restaurants around the UK and beyond,” Richard Lewis, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland said.

SSP Group is working with GW Robotics & Stephens Catering for this trial.