(News story and image via

JapanGov on Twitter )

A pop up cafe in Japan has utilized robot servers and hosts piloted remotely by patients. Definitely check out the video because it's so cool to see in action!

The pandemic has opened our eyes to the numerous jobs that can be done from home, opening doors for those with disabilities that were previously closed due to ableism.

Let's start with a few of the positive implications of this technology. Less physical stress on servers, whether they have physical conditions or not, safer conditions for staff (if you've worked in food you know burns, cuts and bruises are not rare whatsoever) and customers (less likely to pass contaminants), as well as enabling servers to save on traveling or work til close and have their bed just a few feet away.

I also think about mental health implications. It goes without saying, but sometimes it is _exhausting_ to be "on". Even more exhausting than the physical portion of the job. And that's for neurotypical people. For those with depression/anxiety, it can be a nightmare.

Saving physical strain could help cut down on the emotional strain as well. Socially, a server would not have to force a smile and could effectively express themselves with fewer issues involving appearance. Every server, especially women, has at least one horror story about unwanted advances or equally unwelcome critiques about their looks. Happier servers, happier customers.

My mind goes to video games of course and depending on the restaurant, they could even hone personalities or characters to play. It works for Medieval Times, right?

But there are hang ups, of course. Especially in America. In many countries, servers don't rely on tips because they are paid a living wage. Any restaurant utilizing this technology would have to do the same, which would likely be a big turn off for restaurant owners, especially chains. But in my experience at Starbucks, we made more than minimum wage and divvied up tips that were added to our paychecks. So maybe it's not so outlandish to think it could work.

Overall, this is an example of technology that makes me hopeful for the future. Technology should be working to be inclusive to all people. The pandemic has shown some uglier sides of remote work (school programs invading privacy to ensure attendance or not being able to see students of color with darker skin and counting it against them). So it's nice to see something positive to swing the pendulum in the other direction.

What do you think? Would you eat at a robot server cafe/restaurant? If so or if not, let me know why!

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Also, this is a new blog format I'm going to try out! I'm thinking weekly, on Saturdays, bringing you a new tech story and giving you my thoughts. Let me know if you'd like to see more/if you find any cool topics!