Estacada, Oregon – Diners observed with curiosity as Plato made his way towards their table. This three-and-a-half-foot-tall robot spun gaily before presenting them with their lunch. The customers hesitated, unsure of what to expect, until a man in cowboy boots reached out and grabbed his burger, passing a plate to his companions. With that, Plato rolled back to the kitchen at The Cazadero.
A neighboring customer leaned over his chair and asked the group, “How was the experience?” One woman, still a bit perplexed, replied, “Phenomenal.” However, Plato, United Robotics Group’s hospitality-oriented “cobiot,” hasn’t managed to win over everyone in the timber town of Estacada, Oregon. His presence has highlighted the division between struggling businesses and a skeptical customer base resistant to change.
Sherry Andrus, owner of The Cazadero, expressed surprise at the negative reaction to the robot. “I had no clue that people would literally not want to come to the restaurant because I had a robot,” she said in an interview with Fox News. However, Andrus had reasons for considering robotic assistance. Since purchasing The Cazadero in 2018, Oregon’s minimum wage has increased significantly, and finding servers willing to commute to the small town has become a challenge.
To explore potential solutions, Andrus attended the Bar & Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas in March, where she decided to lease Plato. “I love robots and what they can do,” she said excitedly. Andrus introduced Plato on the business’s Facebook page and local community groups, unaware of the backlash that would follow. Hundreds of angry comments flooded in, ranging from declarations of boycotting the restaurant to vehement opposition to the idea of having a robot in a small town like Estacada.
However, some community members came to Andrus’s defense. One woman wrote, “Y’all are insane. They’ve been hiring for months and everyone’s been complaining about the wait time here… Stop your commenting and go apply for the job if you’re so upset about it.” Nevertheless, the administrator of one community page had to disable comments due to the intense negativity.
Andrus clarified that robots like Plato are not meant to replace human workers but rather assist them in improving efficiency for the benefit of guests. Despite the online controversy, in-person reactions to Plato have been generally more positive. Although some customers have made it clear they prefer a “100% human” experience, regular patrons of The Cazadero have taken a liking to the robot. “I say ‘Hi’ to him every time he comes by,” said Roy, a Vietnam-era veteran, with a smile. Another customer named Garrett, who used to work for a manufacturing firm where robots replaced many positions, found it enjoyable to see customers interact with Plato.
Plato, developed by United Robotics Group, is currently deployed in around two dozen locations, primarily small businesses facing staffing challenges. The shiny white exterior and cartoonish face of the robot provide a striking juxtaposition to the Western-themed steakhouse at The Cazadero. Estacada, with its population of approximately 5,000 residents, is the smallest town to welcome this bionic busboy.
One unfortunate consequence of Plato’s introduction has been a decrease in tips, which has saddened Andrus. Some servers have chosen not to use the robot as they rely on tips for their livelihood and still provide excellent customer service. Despite the resistance to new technology in rural communities, Andrus believes that AI will play a significant role in the future of the restaurant industry. While acknowledging the challenges of pleasing everyone in a small town, she recognizes the changing dynamic and demographic as the community experiences growth.
To witness Plato in action, click here.
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