Boparan Restaurant Group trials service robots, eyes wider rollout if ‘successful’

Using artificial intelligence (AI), the robots can deliver hot chicken up to four miles per hour and can engage with guests through spoken conversation.

Robots could one day be a fixture in Boparan Restaurant Group’s (BRG) portfolio.

The group announced the implementation of two service robots, currently being trialed at Slim Chickens in Guildford that opened last March 3.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), the robots can deliver hot chicken up to four miles per hour and can engage with guests through “spoken conversation, take orders and deliver dishes, both to tables and for collection,” BRG said.

The robots also have infrared cameras, laser radars and sensors to “ensure smooth transitions, navigation and obstacle avoidance,” it added.

If the trial proves successful, BRG said the robots will be rolled out across its estate of over 100 restaurants nationwide.

“We are committed to evolving the guest experience whilst supporting our teams in delivering the quality food and hospitality that Slim Chickens and BRG are famous for. The robots, along with our kiosks, app and table ordering, are the next stage in our digital journey. We don’t plan to replace our team with robots, they are here to support them and make their jobs easier,” BRG commercial director Nick Smith said in a statement.