Belgian robots to save the hospitality sector? “In two months maximum, we can equip 20,000 restaurants”

"“‘We’re not going to get into technology and robots when in six months Covid-19 will be behind us’. That is what Maggie De Block replied when we offered her the use of our robots to help staff in care homes at the start of the health crisis. That was a year ago”, begins Fabrice Goffin, co-founder of Zorabots."

"“From the very first lockdown, as a robotics company, we started thinking about how we could use technology to help”. While the medical sector was the first to be approached, the Ostend company is now turning to hospitality professionals. “Medical robots and those intended for the hospitality sector share the same base. We have developed software that can communicate with all robots and all ‘smart’ devices. This includes CO2 monitors, which are particularly important in the age of Covid-19.”"

"“A 2,500-euro system”"

"The tool is already making life easier for foreign restaurateurs. “In practical terms, when you come in, a thermal camera takes your temperature and checks whether your face mask is worn correctly. You are then asked to place your identity card in a reader, and a printer gives you a single menu. You then go to your table and order.”"

"Various systems are available depending on the size of the restaurants. For establishments that can accommodate about 30 people, the devices (editor’s note: printer, card reader...) are linked together by the software developed by Zorabots (editor’s note: approx. 2,500 euros to buy). “For larger spaces, such as Lunch Garden restaurants, for example, you can opt for a physical, humanoid robot (editor’s note: approx. 25,000 euros)”, says Fabrice Goffin."

"Everything is ready"

"The system is operational and thousands of restaurants could be equipped within a few weeks. “We already have the technology. Our current stock would allow us to supply 800 restaurants with a capacity of 50 people immediately. In two months maximum, we can meet the needs of 20,000 hospitality establishments throughout Belgium.”"

"Although charmed by the concept, some Ostend restaurateurs have nevertheless expressed reservations about the potential use of customers’ personal data. “We do not record the data. The camera does not recognise you and the information collected by reading the identity card is sent directly to the FPS. It is a bit like when you get a fine. The data are not stored by us.”

"“If we were called Johnson and Johnson, it would no doubt be easier”"

"The main obstacle to installing the system in the country’s restaurants? Authorisation from the authorities. “We get the impression that politicians do not really have a long-term vision. We are constantly told that it is not possible to promote one Belgian company rather than another, but our system is unique in the world (sic). If we were called Johnson and Johnson, it would no doubt be easier... It is very frustrating. Our software is used in Asia, Africa and Latin America. And closer to home in France and Germany. The United Nations is among our clients, but not Belgium.”"

"“We recently had a meeting with Philippe Close, the mayor of Brussels”, says a delighted Fabrice Goffin. “We gave him a demonstration at the town hall. He is the first political figure to have contacted us, saying: ‘We will be troubled by this virus for a long time. I want to analyse the technology and for Brussels to set an example in this area.’”"

"Another exchange took place with Jan Jambon. “A real-life test should be organised in the presence of virologists who will be asked to evaluate the system. We are ready to improve it on the basis of any comments. We are convinced that what we are offering could move things forward quickly.”"

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of BAM!

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