Robot Chefs: the Impacts, Compatibility and Suitability

Abstract

Purpose - This research investigates the impacts, compatibility and suitability of robot chefs in a restaurant context from the perspective of human chefs. Design/methodology/approach - Based on a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 chefs working in restaurants in Turkiye. Findings - The study revealed the positive and negative impacts of robot chefs in restaurants, spanning aspects such as competitiveness, labour/human resources, financial, service quality, creativity and innovativeness and sustainability. The findings also shed light on the lack of necessary humanoid chef competencies of robot chefs and the suitability of restaurant concepts for their use. Originality/value - Although previous research has explored the integration of automation and robotics in hospitality experiences and the perceptions of guests towards robot chefs, a significant gap exists in understanding the viewpoints of human chefs. This study makes a novel contribution to the theoretical and practical understanding of the use of robot chefs in the kitchen and the dynamics of their interaction with human chefs.