Barhand: A Robot that Tends the Bar

Posted 29 May 2005 at 18:20 UTC by steve

Just when you thought we'd run out of stories about robot hands, Roland Piquepaille writes, "If you are in Glasgow next week, be sure to visit the Garage, one of its largest clubs, and order a beer from the new assistant bartender. The Barhand vending machine will give you a bottle of beer with its electronic robotic hand. In Young Scot set for share in millions from robot barman, the Sunday Herald reports that Michael Bowes, a 23-year old entrepreneur, is installing the first robotic bartender, built by Japanese company Fuji. Bowes has exclusive rights to sell the robot and expects to generate sales of about $200 million within five years. Of course, some people are concerned that the Barhand could deliver beers to people already drunk, but Bowes insists that by reducing queues, people will only buy one drink at a time instead of picking several from a real bartender.". For more on Barhand the robot barman see Roland's blog.