Nairobi Opens First Robot Cafe in East Africa

Nairobi's Robot Cafe, touted as the first of its kind in East Africa, blends robotic technology with traditional human service, captivating diners with its unique experience. The cafe features three robots named Claire, R24, and Nadia, which assist human waiters by delivering food to tables while being controlled via an iPad application. Owner Mohammed Abbas views the investment in these robots as a way to attract customers rather than to cut costs, despite the significant expense of importing them. Human staff remain crucial, taking orders and delivering drinks, thereby ensuring a balanced service model. Customers express excitement over the novelty of interacting with robots in a dining setting, highlighting the cafe's role in showcasing Nairobi's vibrant tech scene. However, experts caution about the broader implications of automation on employment in the hospitality sector.