Why the Japanese Robotic Bartender Won’t Fly in the US
July 8, 2008 by Rico Mossesgeld
Filed under Household
The robotic bartender looks decent (unfortunately, if you don’t see anything below, you’ll have to view this page with Internet Explorer. Damn you MSNBC video!):
But unfortunately, it probably won’t find any takers in the US. Quite probably, the first drinker “accidentally” injured by this machine will immediately sue the bar for “emotional and physical damages.” Ah yes, the land of the free, the home of the brave, the gadgets capital, and home to ambulance chasers. Thanks to reader Sadé for the tip!
i saw the video and i was struck the question: what’s the point of making a robot to do a man’s job when it doesn’t even do it faster or more efficient?? isn’t that the point of robots? why would anyone buy a SUPER expensive robot that, according to this video, does the job actually a little slower than a human bartender? these questions are more hypothetical than not….
Bad argument – People can sue real bartenders just as easy as a robotic one. While we may be a litigious society, it has to have some validity.
If it’s quicker than a real bartender at a crowded bar, it would be purchased.
The real reason this thing won’t fly is because it takes forever just to pour one beer and cannot do mixed drinks.
Well, we weren’t serious when writing this, but consider: A real bartender would be aware of his (or her) surroundings, and is capable of avoiding lawsuit-ready situations. Know what I mean?
Though you’re right. It’s probable that robots won’t be able to do those drink-mixing tricks for the foreseeable future.