Top 5 Robot Waiters in 2025

by | Jun 1, 2025 | Hospitality & Retail Robots | 0 comments

By Marcus Delgado

1. Introduction

Robots in restaurants aren’t just a gimmick anymore — they’re becoming a practical necessity.

In 2025, robot waiters have shifted from curious novelty to trusted teammate. From busy ramen shops in Tokyo to casual chains across Texas, these automated helpers are showing up with trays in hand — and they’re sticking around.

Why now? A mix of rising labor costs, persistent staffing shortages, and renewed focus on hygiene has made automation more attractive — and more accessible — than ever. Restaurants, especially in fast-casual and hotel dining, are finding that robots don’t just fill a gap; they often improve the flow of service.

This guide dives into five of the most talked-about robot waiters of 2025 — with real-world deployments across the U.S., Egypt, China, Vietnam, and India. We’ll break down their strengths, ideal use cases, and where they stand out (or fall short).

Whether you’re a restaurant operator exploring automation, a hotelier seeking guest-facing tech, or just a curious diner wondering what’s next, this article is for you.

Table of Contents

2. Why Robot Waiters Are on the Rise

Robot waiters aren’t just futuristic mascots — they’re solving real operational pain points in the hospitality world.

🚀 What’s Driving Adoption?

  • Labor shortages: Many restaurants continue to struggle with staffing, especially during off-peak hours or weekends.
  • Cost pressures: With minimum wages rising globally, robots offer long-term savings after the initial investment.
  • Hygiene and safety: Robots reduce human contact, supporting post-pandemic safety protocols and minimizing cross-contamination.

🤖 What Can They Actually Do?

Most modern robot waiters come equipped with:

  • Autonomous navigation using LiDAR and SLAM mapping
  • Obstacle avoidance for crowded environments
  • Voice interaction (basic greetings or table calls)
  • Multi-tray delivery for food, drinks, or dirty dishes
  • Screen interfaces for orders or entertainment (on select models)

Some even return to base stations to recharge or clean themselves, adding to their low-maintenance appeal.

📊 Fast-Growing Deployment

  • Bear Robotics’ Servi is now used in over 5,000 locations worldwide, including partnerships with Chili’s and Denny’s.
  • In Asia and the Middle East, mall-based eateries and hotel lounges have rapidly adopted robot staff for delivery and greeting roles.

Smaller players like Niha Robotics (India) and TOSY Robotics (Vietnam) are growing fast in emerging markets.

3. Robot Waiter Profiles (One Per Section)

Each section follows this structure:

🤖 3.1 Servi by Bear Robotics (USA)

Meet Servi, one of the most widely deployed robot waiters in North America. Developed by California-based Bear Robotics, Servi is built for practical, high-traffic environments like casual dining chains and corporate cafeterias.

🌟 Standout Use Cases

  • Chili’s: Deployed across multiple U.S. locations to assist human staff during peak hours.

     

  • Denny’s: Used in test markets to deliver food and clear tables, enhancing labor efficiency.

     

  • Sodexo: Rolled out in healthcare and university dining services, where hygiene and uptime are critical.

     

🔧 Key Features

  • Autonomous indoor navigation (LiDAR + SLAM)

     

  • Triple-tier tray design with 30 lb capacity

     

  • Dynamic obstacle avoidance

     

  • Self-docking and charging

     

  • Minimalist, approachable design

     

  • Multi-robot coordination via fleet software

     

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

Pros:

  • Proven reliability in chain restaurants

     

  • Integrates with existing service workflows

     

  • Low learning curve for staff

     

Cons:

  • No built-in touchscreen or voice interaction

     

  • Premium price point

     

  • Limited customization for branding

     

💰 Pricing Info

  • Estimated $1,200–$1,500/month on a leasing model

     

  • Custom enterprise pricing available via Bear Robotics’ sales team

     

🔗 Manufacturer Link

Visit Bear Robotics – Servi

🤖 3.2 Mozo by Marses Robotics (Egypt)

Mozo is an emerging robot waiter developed by Marses Robotics, a Cairo-based company focused on touchless service automation for the MENA region. Mozo is designed for smaller restaurants and cafés seeking affordable, hygienic solutions without sacrificing core delivery functions.

🌟 Deployment & Differentiation

  • Touchless interaction is Mozo’s standout feature — trays are loaded and unloaded without physical button presses or voice activation.

     

  • Piloted in Egyptian malls, hotel lounges, and university campuses, where hygiene and space efficiency are key.

     

  • Strong regional appeal due to its compact size, Arabic language support, and low infrastructure demands.

     

🔧 Key Features

  • Touchless tray delivery with return-to-base capability

     

  • Compact design for narrow aisles

     

  • Obstacle detection and smooth indoor navigation

     

  • Local language support (Arabic + English)

     

  • Battery life: 8–10 hours with auto-docking

     

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

Pros:

  • Affordable and locally manufactured

     

  • Hygienic design ideal for food courts and cafés

     

  • Easy to deploy with minimal training

     

Cons:

  • No screen or interactivity for guest engagement

     

  • Limited international support or integrations

     

  • Shorter range and capacity compared to premium models

     

💰 Pricing Info

  • Approx. $6,000–$7,500 for full unit purchase

     

  • Local leasing options available in Egypt and nearby markets

     

🔗 Manufacturer Link

Visit Marses Robotics – Mozo

🤖 3.3 Sanbot Elf by QIHAN Technology (China)

Unlike tray-focused delivery bots, Sanbot Elf is built for interaction. Created by QIHAN Technology in Shenzhen, it combines service utility with facial recognition, speech interaction, and touchscreen capabilities — ideal for high-touch environments like hotels, retail, and VIP lounges.

🌟 Engagement-First Deployment

  • Used in Chinese shopping centers, hotel lobbies, and even airports for greeting, guiding, and delivering small items.

     

  • Overlaps into retail and B2C roles, offering both concierge and light delivery functions.

     

  • Popular in luxury hospitality settings for its humanoid appeal and interactive display.

     

🔧 Key Features

  • Android-based 10.1” touchscreen for guest interaction

     

  • Facial recognition + gesture detection

     

  • 3D depth cameras + voice localization

     

  • Arm movement for expressive interaction

     

  • Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity

     

  • Optional tray attachment for light deliveries

     

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

Pros:

  • Highly engaging UX with speech and facial recognition

     

  • Dual-use: service + entertainment or information

     

  • Strong branding appeal in premium venues

     

Cons:

  • Less practical for heavy food delivery

     

  • May require Wi-Fi tuning and language localization

     

  • Higher upfront cost and complexity

     

💰 Pricing Info

  • Typically $8,000–$12,000 USD per unit

     

  • Available for bulk orders via QIHAN distributors

     

🔗 Manufacturer Link

Visit QIHAN Technology – Sanbot Elf

🤖 3.4 LuckiBot Pro by OrionStar Robotics (China)

LuckiBot Pro is a versatile service robot developed by OrionStar Robotics, designed to enhance dining experiences through efficient food delivery and interactive customer engagement. With its advanced navigation and user-friendly interface, LuckiBot Pro is suitable for various hospitality settings, including restaurants, hotels, and cafes.

🌟 Deployment & Differentiation

  • Interactive Service: Equipped with a 14-inch HD touchscreen and voice interaction capabilities, LuckiBot Pro can recommend dishes, guide customers to their seats, and provide entertainment.

     

  • Efficient Delivery: Its three-tier tray design allows for the simultaneous delivery of multiple dishes, optimizing service efficiency during peak hours.

     

  • Smart Navigation: Utilizing LIDAR sensors and SLAM mapping, it navigates complex environments smoothly, avoiding obstacles and ensuring timely deliveries.

     

🔧 Key Features

  • 14-inch HD touchscreen for menu display and interaction

     

  • Voice recognition and AI-powered customer engagement

     

  • Three-tier tray system with a capacity of 6–8 dishes

     

  • Autonomous navigation with obstacle avoidance

     

  • Automatic return to charging station when battery is low

     

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

Pros:

  • Enhances customer experience with interactive features

     

  • Increases operational efficiency by reducing staff workload

     

  • Attracts attention, serving as a marketing tool

     

Cons:

  • Initial investment may be significant for small businesses

     

  • Limited emotional intelligence compared to human staff

     

💰 Pricing Info

  • Pricing details are available upon request from OrionStar Robotics. They offer flexible leasing options to accommodate different business needs.

     

🔗 Manufacturer Link

Visit OrionStar Robotics – LuckiBot Pro

🤖 3.5 RO Waiter by Niha Robotics (India)

RO Waiter is a cost-conscious robot built by Niha Robotics, a Bangalore-based startup aiming to democratize service robotics for mid-sized restaurants and hotels. While not flashy, RO Waiter is functional, modular, and built for reliability in Indian dining environments.

🌟 Designed for Practical Versatility

  • Deployed in mid-range hotels, banquet halls, and cafés across India.

     

  • Supports both serving and clearing functions, making it suitable for back-and-forth workflows.

     

  • Popular among franchise restaurants and event venues for its low cost and maintenance simplicity.

     

🔧 Key Features

  • Dual-mode tray delivery and dish clearing

     

  • Optional touchscreen for customer interaction

     

  • Obstacle avoidance via ultrasonic sensors

     

  • Rechargeable with 8-hour runtime

     

  • Local language voice support (Hindi, English, regional dialects)

     

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

Pros:

  • One of the most affordable options on the market

     

  • Adaptable for multiple use cases (serving, clearing, greeting)

     

  • Easy to maintain and operate

     

Cons:

  • Basic design with limited interactivity

     

  • Lacks premium-grade navigation systems

     

  • Support limited outside India

     

💰 Pricing Info

  • Starting at $3,500 USD for basic model

     

  • Upgrade kits for touchscreen and extended trays available

     

🔗 Manufacturer Link

Visit Niha Robotics – RO Waiter

 

📊 4. Comparison Table: Top Robot Waiters in 2025

Robot

Region

Features

Navigation

Touchscreen

Price Range

Ideal Use

Servi

USA

Tray service, multi-unit fleet control

Yes

No

$$$

Chain restaurants

Mozo

Egypt

Contactless trays, compact footprint

Yes

No

$$

Quick-service, food courts

Sanbot Elf

China

Humanoid, interactive screen + AI voice

Yes

Yes

$$$

Hotels, retail, public spaces

LuckiBot Pro

China

Delivery + touchscreen interaction

Yes

Yes

$$$

Hotels, upscale restaurants

RO Waiter

India

Multi-role: serve, clear, greet

Yes

Optional

$

Mid-sized F&B, banquet halls

Legend:

  • $ = budget (< $5,000)

     

  • $$ = mid-range ($5,000–$8,000)

     

  • $$$ = premium (>$8,000 or leased)

🧭 5. Which Robot Is Right for You?

Choosing the right robot waiter depends on what you need most: cost savings, guest interaction, or operational efficiency. Here’s a quick guide based on typical buyer profiles.

💸 Budget-Conscious Operators

If you’re running a mid-sized restaurant, café, or banquet hall and need a basic but reliable assistant, RO Waiter by Niha Robotics is your go-to. It handles both delivery and clearing, works well in tighter layouts, and won’t break the budget.

Why choose it:

  • Low upfront cost

     

  • Easy maintenance

     

  • Flexible deployment

     

🤖 Want Customer Interaction?

For environments where guest engagement matters — think hotels, retail lounges, or VIP dining — Sanbot Elf or LuckiBot Pro stand out. Both offer touchscreen interaction, voice support, and an engaging presence that adds to your brand experience.

Sanbot Elf: Better for branding and light concierge roles
 LuckiBot Pro: Stronger for actual food delivery plus engagement

🏢 Enterprise-Ready, Scalable Solution

Running a chain or high-volume restaurant? Servi by Bear Robotics is your most scalable, reliable pick. With 5,000+ deployments, it’s built to slot into existing workflows and scale across multiple locations.

Why choose it:

  • Proven track record in national chains

     

  • Minimal training required

     

  • Strong support and leasing model

     

🏬 Compact and Hygiene-Focused?

If your priority is contactless, space-efficient service — especially in food courts or healthcare — Mozo by Marses Robotics delivers. It’s small, smart, and purpose-built for streamlined touchless operation.

⚖️ Selection Checklist

When choosing a robot waiter, consider:

  • Space constraints (Can it navigate your layout?)

     

  • Guest experience needs (Do you want it to talk? Look humanoid?)

     

  • Staff integration (Will it supplement or replace part of your team?)

     

  • Support access (Is the manufacturer local or international?)

🤖 6. Final Thoughts

Robot waiters are no longer a novelty. In 2025, they’re a strategic asset for restaurants, hotels, and hospitality spaces looking to boost efficiency, lower staffing pressure, and elevate the guest experience. From budget-friendly workhorses to interactive brand ambassadors, there’s a service robot for almost every use case.

As hardware gets smarter and pricing becomes more accessible, expect adoption to accelerate — especially in markets facing labor shortages or high operational costs. What once felt like science fiction is quickly becoming a service standard.

📬 7. Get Weekly Robot Insights

🚀 Stay ahead of the curve.
 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest robot reviews, case studies, and buying guides — delivered every week.

🎁 Bonus Download
 📥 Get our “Robot-Ready Restaurant Checklist” — a free PDF to help you plan your first deployment, ask the right vendor questions, and prep your team for automation success.

Standard Bots RO1

📋 Quick Specs

Feature Details
Primary Use CNC tending, pick-and-place, palletizing, welding
Autonomy Level Fully autonomous with manual override
Best For SME manufacturers, job shops, first-time automation users
Battery Life Not battery powered (plugs into mains)
Price 💲💲 — Below market range (~$30K–40K estimated)
Region Availability North America (with expansion plans for Europe and Asia)
Where to Buy Direct from Standard Bots / Contact Form

 

⚙️ Key Capabilities

  • 18 kg payload — one of the highest in its class for a 6-axis cobot
  • 1.3 meter reach — supports wider CNC layouts and palletizing zones
  • ±0.025 mm repeatability — ideal for welding, polishing, and precision assembly
  • Fast joint speed (435°/sec) — up to 2.4x faster than comparable arms
  • No-code interface — train by demonstration or use visual programming
  • Plug-and-play integration — works with grippers, conveyors, and OnRobot tools
  • Compact and portable — 32.5 kg base, easily redeployable without lift assist
  • Built-in safety — ISO/TS 15066 compliant with collision detection and force limiting

Made in the USA — assembled in California with domestic support team

💬 Ready for pricing, ROI insights, and deployment examples?
Ask us anything — we’ll walk you through it.

Where It Works Best

The RO1 is built for real-world manufacturing environments — especially where teams need flexibility, not fences.

  • Machine Tending — CNC mills, lathes, and injection molding machines

  • Welding — MIG, TIG, or spot welding with consistent path following

  • High-Mix Production — Quickly redeploy between SKUs or tasks

  • Small Team Automation — Ideal for job shops and lean manufacturing cells

  • Palletizing — End-of-line stacking without needing external fencing

  • Light Assembly — Multi-step processes with precision placement

Whether you’re augmenting labor or building out your first automation cell, the RO1 adapts quickly — and doesn’t need a full-time robot technician to keep it running.

What Makes It Different

Most 6-axis cobots force you to choose between power, price, or ease of use. The RO1 doesn’t.

What sets it apart:

  • Stronger — 18 kg payload outperforms many cobots twice the price

  • Faster — Joint speeds up to 435°/sec mean shorter cycle times and faster ROI

  • Simpler — Built-in touchscreen + no-code interface = no need for robot engineers

  • Smarter Support — Remote diagnostics, included software updates, and optional onsite install

  • US-Built — Designed, assembled, and supported from California

For teams that want serious automation without industrial complexity, the RO1 hits a rare sweet spot: robust enough for the shop floor, simple enough for operators to run.

💲 Pricing Indicator

💲💲 — Below market average

The RO1 is positioned well below most 6-axis arms in its performance class, which often run $50K–$100K+ before tooling and integration. RO1 is typically priced in the $30K–$40K range, with flexible lease options (including pay-per-hour).

It’s one of the few cobots offering:

  • High payload (18 kg)

  • High speed

  • U.S.-based support

  • And a no-code interface — without crossing the six-figure mark

 💬 Ready for pricing, ROI insights, and deployment examples?
Ask us anything — we’ll walk you through it.

RO1 vs UR10e vs CRX‑10iA/L: 6-Axis Cobot Comparison for Industrial Automation

Feature

RO1 (Standard Bots)

UR10e (Universal Robots)

CRX‑10iA/L (FANUC)

Payload

18 kg

12.5 kg universal-robots.com+15universal-robots.com+15fanuc.eu+15

10 kg

Reach

1.3 m

1.3 m

1.249 m (10iA) / 1.418 m (10iA/L)

Repeatability

±0.025 mm

±0.05 mm

±0.04 mm

Max Joint Speed

435°/sec

Shoulder/elbow up to 180°/s, TCP ~4 m/s

J1–J6: up to 180°/s

Weight

32.5 kg

33.5 kg

~35 kg

Programming

No‑code demo UI

Graphical Polyscope touchscreen

Drag‑&‑drop pendant UI

Safety

ISO/TS 15066, collision sensing

17 configurable safety functions, ISO PLd

Force sensing, manual teaching, ISO compliant

Price Tier

💲💲 (~$30K–40K)

💲💲💲 (~$35K–40K+)

💲💲💲💲 (~$50K+ for food-grade/certified models)

Best For

High-payload shops needing speed and ease

Mid-range automation, wide ecosystem

Clean/industrial environments needing high reliability

Support

USA-based, remote diagnostics

Global UR+ network, strong support infrastructure

FANUC global service, 8-year maintenance-free claim

Payload: RO1 leads with 18 kg, outpacing both UR10e and CRX‑10iA/L.

Speed & Precision: RO1’s ±0.025 mm and 435°/sec make it faster and more accurate than peers.

Ease of Use: RO1 and CRX offer no-code or simple visual interfaces, while UR10e’s established Polyscope ecosystem may require more familiarity.

Price-to-Value: RO1 delivers top-tier specs below the $40K mark—competitive for manufacturers who need power without overspending.

Support & Safety: All three meet safety standards; RO1 emphasizes U.S.-based support and no-code simplicity.

 

What Matters Most = Simplicity, Speed, and ROI

Not every manufacturer has a six-figure automation budget or a robotics engineer on standby. That’s why the RO1 stands out, not just for what it can do, but for who it’s built for.

You get serious specs: 18 kg payload, fast cycle times, solid integration support. But more importantly, you get a robot that shows up to work without making your life harder.

It doesn’t need a fenced cell. It doesn’t need a week of training. And it doesn’t need a massive team to support it.

If you’re automating for the first time, or trying to stretch a lean crew across more machines, this is the kind of tool that pays for itself by just not getting in the way.

 

Want to go deeper on ROI, real-world installs, or whether RO1 will work in your layout? Let’s walk through it. We’ll help you figure out if it’s a good fit.