Meet Bella, the world’s first super-intelligent robotic waitress, who just launched her amazing new career. Perhaps you’ll meet her at The View Cafe and Bar in Portland’s Heights hotel in Dorset. This forward-thinking new addition comes from Pudu, a Chinese technology company widely recognized for its innovations in robotics and smart, flexible solutions. Bella’s living weight is 55 kg (121 lb). She is built to do much more than just serve patrons, and interacting with guests makes for a much more special dining experience.
Bella is outfitted with cutting edge obstacle avoidance technology, so she can fly quickly and efficiently through the cafe. She builds interactivity into her customers’ hands with programmed phrases, like “wow your hands really are warm,” when touched. Bella doesn’t just interact in a two-way conversation, she even sings “Happy Birthday.” This creates a super personal and creative vibe to the parties held at the cafe.
Assistant manager Bella Mike Deadman introduced Bella after being inspired by similar robotic technologies seen in cafes and restaurants around the globe. He shared his vision that Bella is going to improve the customer experience while not losing that all-important human touch of service.
“I think [Bella] will complement existing services but I certainly don’t think it’ll replace the human touch,” – Mike Deadman
Bella’s introduction comes on the heels of a successful proof of concept run at Bella Italia in 2022, proving her prowess in a restaurant environment. The cost of this state-of-the-art robot was just under £9,000. It sheds light on the growing trend of automation in the hospitality sector.
Mike Deadman quickly put staff and patrons at ease, announcing that the arrival of Bella will not result in staff being shown the door. He imagines her to be the most useful tool in his arsenal. With Bella taking care of day-to-day tasks, human staff members are free to spend more time providing that special touch.
As technology continues to evolve, establishments like The View Cafe and Bar are at the forefront of integrating these advancements into daily operations. Bella’s arrival may mark a significant step towards integrating robotics with human interaction within restaurants. Join us in listening as she takes an exclusive look with us at the future of dining experiences.