Only in Tokyo, Part 2: The Electronic Waiter

When you first see one you can hardly believe your eyes, but soon you start noticing them everywhere. Even more surprising than the restaurants and shops perched on several floors of the same building, is the strange machine that greets customers at the entrance to many Tokyo restaurants.


It may look like some kind of giant one-armed bandit, but it's actually an electonic waiter, ready to take your order. I wonder if it makes snide comments and spits in your food too? Anyway, here's how it works:

• First, put your money in the machine.
• Then, each button corresponds to a different dish, so just press the one you want to order (if you manage to work out what they are).
• Then confirm your order and pick up the tickets it spits out as proof of payment.
• Your order will then be brought straight to your table a few minutes later.

So after the success of the self-checkout, self-ordering could be coming soon to a restaurant near you.

Stay tuned for more news from Tokyo soon.


> Only in Tokyo, Part 1: Gadget Heaven in Tokyu Hands


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