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AI and robotics in the European restaurant sector: Assessing potentials for process innovation in a high-contact service industry

Author

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  • Katharina Blöcher

    (Leipzig University, Information Systems Institute)

  • Rainer Alt

    (Leipzig University)

Abstract

The restaurant technology market is rapidly evolving and is transforming the restaurant business as a significant sector of tourism and hospitality. Enabled by artificial intelligence (AI), mobile apps, kiosks and chatbots revolutionize the guest experience and robots automate restaurant operations. Despite the increasing interest, the use of AI and robotics in restaurants is still in its early stage and restaurant managers are seeking guidance to leverage these technologies for service excellence. In this high-contact service sector, emotional skills need to be balanced with the possible automation potentials. The present research analyzes the current state of AI and robotics in the restaurant sector and proposes a systematic identification of process innovation potentials. For this purpose, a market analysis of the European AI and robotics market for restaurant operations is conducted, which yields a first knowledge base for future research and conceptual work. Besides detailed empirical data, a reference process is developed for leveraging new technologies for process innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Katharina Blöcher & Rainer Alt, 2021. "AI and robotics in the European restaurant sector: Assessing potentials for process innovation in a high-contact service industry," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(3), pages 529-551, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:31:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s12525-020-00443-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-020-00443-2
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    Cited by:

    1. Shengliang Zhang & Xinfeng Lin & Xiaodong Li & Ai Ren, 2022. "Service robots’ anthropomorphism: dimensions, factors and internal relationships," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(1), pages 277-295, March.
    2. Ransome Epie Bawack & Samuel Fosso Wamba & Kevin Daniel André Carillo & Shahriar Akter, 2022. "Artificial intelligence in E-Commerce: a bibliometric study and literature review," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(1), pages 297-338, March.
    3. Pietronudo, Maria Cristina & Croidieu, Grégoire & Schiavone, Francesco, 2022. "A solution looking for problems? A systematic literature review of the rationalizing influence of artificial intelligence on decision-making in innovation management," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    4. Wang, Lei & Zhou, Yahong & Chiao, Benjamin, 2023. "Robots and firm innovation: Evidence from Chinese manufacturing," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Artificial intelligence; Robotics; Restaurant industry; Restaurant technology; Smart tourism;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology

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