A Karachi restaurant is introducing a science-fiction element to its dining scene with the debut of two DIY robot waitresses. The machines, named Robia and Jojo, navigate between booths to deliver food to customers.
Pakistani engineer Syed Osama Aziz, who also owns the restaurant The Sicilian, developed the robots through his robotics company, Cobot. The robots feature spherical white heads, dark visors resembling motorcycle helmets, and black shawls worn around their necks in the style of a dupatta. Aziz designed the circuit boards and programmed the machines in his own lab, primarily using locally manufactured parts.
Aziz told AFP that the equipment required to build robots is not easily available in Pakistan, necessitating special arrangements. While the robots were developed with help from friends and some imported electronic components, Aziz's workshop for manufacturing them is located in Multan.
While robots are becoming common in East Asian countries for tasks such as cleaning, greeting guests, and shuttling food, they remain a novelty in Pakistan. Currently, customers must either remove the food from the robots' serving trays themselves or wait for a human staff member to provide assistance.
Aziz stated that his future plans involve adding camera-based and image-processing features. He said these upgrades would allow the robots to recognize customers by looking at them, remember previous orders, and provide personalized suggestions.
The robots have drawn a crowd of curious diners, including families who take photographs and selfies with the machines. Customer Ahmer Zameer told AFP that the robots are notable because they introduce themselves and "tells you what things you can order." Another young customer, Sonia Dilosker, said she preferred the robots' approach because it is a machine "without any emotions."
Restaurant staff member Hellen told AFP that the novelty has caused a surge in business, with people traveling from across the city to see the robots for the first time.
