Technology is moving at an astoundingly rapid pace, between new methods of
production at farms, new techniques for preparation such as
3D printed foods, and new ways of interacting with customers, like having
tablets instead of traditional menus, the entire industry looks to be up-ended by computer driven ideas. One of the hot topics in the industry at the moment is the fate of wait staff, with some critics fearing that advanced technology will replace waiters and waitresses, removing the most hospitable part of an industry of hospitality.
We've seen this same type of shift, decades ago, when machines began to do the work of people in factories. The industrial revolution brought with it a host of new opportunities for production, all of which helped redefine the American lifestyle. Trains, cars, buses, printing presses, hydraulic lifts, the list of things that helped to make our lives easier is nearly endless. This innovation has continued non-stop, through the mid-century introduction of televisions, washing machines and time-saving kitchen appliances, all the way up to modern smartphones and computers. The trend with progress seems to be heading towards making everything faster, easier and more accessible.
In an industry that depends on service and hospitality, how do we go about replacing people with machines? In a recent news, journalists are expressing fears over
increasingly digital dining experiences, where ordering is done on tablets and the sense of occasion seems to
have slipped in all but the most upscale establishments. Industry insiders are predicting that in 2014, technology's presence in the world of restaurants and bars will increase dramatically, with new tools that
automate the cooking process, even
creating a complete burger, from start to finish.
So how should we feel about technology encroaching on this intrinsically human part of our lives - dining,
eating and socializing - and how will this change the dynamics of the industry? Will
human error be eliminated in favor of mechanical precision to create a more satisfying experience, or will the influx of new technology breed
nostalgia for the days of hospitality past? Let us know what you think, via Twitter, Facebook, Google+ + or LinkedIn.
Source:
Image Credit (Flickr)
Tablebases.com
