Because of the extremely rapid development of robotics, many analysts do not paint a very rosy picture of the future, and where most of the jobs that do not require much effort, “give” robots. And, it seems, the future has arrived a little earlier than we wanted (or not wanted), because, according to the publication Business Insider, many owners of fast food chains plan to replace the U.S. portion of its employees with robots this year.
The rationale for this decision, as you can guess, purely economic. The fact that in 2018 in the U.S. in 18 States significantly increased the minimum hourly wage, which makes the use of robots is more advantageous for employers. It is worth noting that one of the players of the market, the company Box has already tried to implement something similar earlier, installing self-service kiosks in its network of restaurants. And they were able in this experiment to increase the average check and to get rid of lines. As stated by the Director of the Red Robin guy of the Constants
“Box is not the only chain of fast food, where you will have to cut staff due to the increase in the minimum hourly wage. For example, at Red Robin the dismissal of the assistant waiters (those who clean the tables) will allow them to save 8 million dollars. Moreover, the use of machines has helped to reduce the cost of $ 10 million, reducing the part of the kitchen staff. The cost of labor is the most painful issue for our entire industry.”
It is worth saying that in 2018 an advanced robotic self-service machines will be installed in such large networks as Wendy’s, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. The latter does want to move to automated production, leaving only the delivery service and issue.
“If all our customers will start to order food via the mobile app — this will allow you to cut 30% of staff and reduce costs by a third.”
Another large chain Walmart is already testing robots for scanning and placing goods on the shelves, and mopping. Well, Amazon and all want to “hire” drones to deliver parcels.
Fast food network USA will replace some of the staff robots
Vladimir Kuznetsov