The Robot is Carrying Your Pizza: Timothy Tanksley Predicts the Future of MULO Serving
One of the biggest challenges bars and restaurants face today is finding skilled labor. Add to that the cost of overserving expensive cocktail ingredients (both in terms of product expense and product quality). Timothy Tanksley is the Director of Marketing at Richtech Robotics. At the Bar & Restaurant Expo, one of the company’s robots served us a cocktail, and we sat down with Tanksley afterwards to discuss the future of the robotic server. Although these “staff members” have been around for a while, MULO (multi-location) brands are just starting to see their value.
Robot servers have been around for a while. What are some of the new developments over the past couple of years?
“Robot servers are now more dependable and versatile than ever. Earlier models were limited to specific environments with wide pathways and low light, covering only small areas.
These robots often required environment modifications, like ceiling markers, to maintain awareness within their virtual maps.
Today’s delivery robots are highly adaptable, accurate, and versatile, capable of operating in larger spaces with tighter corridors without needing markers. Plus, these significant technological advancements are now more affordable.”
What are some of the business advantages of having robot servers?
“How many times have you been out to eat and wanted to flag down your server, but couldn’t find them? Delivery robots improve customer interactions by enabling human servers to focus on providing a better guest experience in a floor-manager role.
These robots can carry significantly more than a human server, ensuring quicker service and hotter food delivery. Additionally, they alleviate the strain and risk of injury on human staff from carrying heavy trays and bussing bins. They also provide reliable, consistent support by working long hours without breaks, sick days, or callouts.”
What kind of people are needed in a bar or restaurant once the human server is “replaced?”
“With over 350 robot deployments across the U.S., we’ve observed that robots typically augment rather than replace human staff. The robots fill labor gaps caused by the post-COVID transition of hospitality workers to other industries, addressing the high turnover and frequent absences typical in server positions.
By handling routine tasks like running food, robots free up staff to engage in more meaningful work. I was a server, and my best memories weren’t about carrying plates, but about the genuine connections I made with guests, which is more valuable to both the employee and the business.”
Who is currently using your robots?
“Our food delivery robots are used across various sectors, including restaurants, casinos, hotels, senior living, and luxury movie theaters. Notable clients include Boyd Gaming, Golden Corral, Wesley Enhanced Living, and Flix Brewhouse.”
What’s coming next in the world of server robots?
“While delivery robots are quite advanced, further developments, such as integrating localized AI for customer communication, are possible. However, we believe combining human interaction and robotic assistance provides the best customer experience.
I am reminded of my grandmother, a ‘copyist’ who manually reproduced documents before printers existed. When printers were introduced, she wasn’t let go, but reassigned to more valuable tasks. Similarly, robots liberate people from drudgery, allowing them to contribute more value and engage in more fulfilling work.”
To learn more about how robotics and AI are changing the game for MULO brands, please join us at Street Fight LIVE 2025!
