Interview with Jiishu Bansal, Founder of Mie.Roboluscious, India’s first talking robot restaurant

An exclusive interview with Jiishu Bansal, Founder of Mie.Roboluscious, The Family Robo Restaurant

Welcome to an exclusive interview with Mr. Jiishu Bansal, the visionary founder behind Mie.Roboluscious, India’s pioneering talking robot restaurant, and The Family Robo Restaurant. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for the future of dining experiences, Mr. Bansal has embarked on a remarkable journey to blend technology and gastronomy.

As we delve into the conversation with him, we aim to uncover the inspiration, challenges, and the fascinating story that led to the creation of these groundbreaking establishments that have captured the imagination of food enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Mie.Roboluscious and what led you to the concept of a talking robot restaurant?

Jiishu Bansal: Observing a decline in dining enthusiasm, we conceived the idea for Mie.Roboluscious as a means to provide a unique and memorable dining experience. Our inspiration came from the growing trend of automated kitchens in countries like Singapore and Japan, and we decided to introduce the concept to India.

Our primary goal in launching this restaurant was to bring joy to people, particularly children, by creating delightful and unforgettable dining moments.

What unique experiences or innovations do you believe Mie.Roboluscious offers to its customers that traditional restaurants cannot provide?

Jiishu Bansal: Mie.Roboluscious is a revolutionary dining concept that combines cutting edge technology and innovative cuisine to provide an unparalleled dining experience.It is a place “where technology meets flavour in the most delicious way”, exploring the results of “Jab Food Met Robo”.

Two robots named Mishu and Mishi serve the meals at Mie.Roboluscious and are capable of conversing with the customers and keeping them entertained in addition to simply serving.

This is what sets Mie.Roboluscious apart from other restaurants—Mishu and Mishi, the robots—are entirely built in India as part of the make in India project.

The food at Mie.Roboluscious tastes like home as it is made and served with love to make the customers happy and leave the place with worthit feeling.

The design of our restaurant’s interior took into account the preferences of all generations, and there are seating places for each age group. It is the ideal spot for everyone because the walls are constructed with a blend of classic paintings and modern artwork.

How do the talking robots at Mie.Roboluscious interact with customers, and what kind of technology is employed to make this possible?

Jiishu Bansal: This restaurant is operated by the amicable and highly effective robotic duo, Mishu and Mishi, specially programmed to deliver exceptional service to patrons. These robots are equipped with advanced Alexa-like capabilities, enabling them to handle a range of duties, including order-taking, food service, customer interaction, and even guest entertainment.

As the name implies, Mie.Roboluscious, India’s first talking robot restaurant, patrons can pose questions by simply uttering ‘echo’; like ‘echo, what’s on the weekly special menu?’ and our robots will provide prompt responses. To create memorable birthday surprises for our customers, our robots Mishu and Mishi take center stage, bringing out a cake while serenading the celebrants with birthday songs.

This concept operates on semi-AI technology, which powers the robots. Through precise programming and coding, these robots proficiently serve food, ensuring spillage is a non-issue. Equipped with sensors, they are highly organized and capable of pausing and politely requesting, “Excuse me, please move to the side; you’re in my way,” should anyone obstruct their path.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in implementing and running a talking robot restaurant in India, and how did you overcome them?

Jiishu Bansal: Similar to many newcomers in various industries, I encountered initial challenges. Being a novice in the food industry, I initially opted for a franchise for the sake of easier management. However, I later discovered that the company was fraudulent, creating a significant struggle not only for me but also for my parents.

As they say, in the face of ups and downs, a single source of support can make all the difference. In my case, my parents, particularly my mother, became my pillars of strength. Although it was our first foray into the food industry, together, we successfully navigated every obstacle, and we set out to establish our own restaurant.

Now, it warms our hearts to see that our restaurant stands out in the market, with everyone pointing and saying, “This is where robots serve food.” Engaging with customers, receiving their feedback, and sending them off with fond memories and satisfaction bring smiles to our faces.

What types of food and cuisines does Mie.Roboluscious serve, and how do you ensure the quality of the food matches the unique dining experience?

Jiishu Bansal: We are a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves a variety of dishes and Mocktails along with some unique signature items like Mishu ke dil se, which is a uniquely crafted dessert (Fried Ice Cream). The dishes include Continental, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Indian, Etc. The mocktails options are endless with various must try drinks.

To ensure the quality of food we always use fresh and pure stock. We avoid using synthetic food and dairy products. Also, our chefs are well trained and believe in quality food.

Can you describe the process of designing and building the robots that work at your restaurant, including any special features that set them apart?

Jiishu Bansal: Entering into the modern world, AI Technology is gaining popularity at max. The robots are designed to entertain and serve the customers in a dancing doll design. The hands are used in a tray design using which it serves the food to the customers.

What sets them apart is the alexa-like feature using which they function, follow commands, and entertain.

Mie.Roboluscious must require a skilled team to maintain and operate the robots. What can you tell us about the training and expertise needed for the staff?

Jiishu Bansal: We’ve a dedicated and specialised team to ensure that the robots are working properly, are well maintained and operated smoothly. In case of any technical issue, we make sure to sort everything within 24 hours so that the customers don’t miss the amazing moment of being served by the robots.

For day to day functioning, we have trained our staff with the functions and features of the robot along with their operations and its management. Once the staff is trained then only they are asked to manage the robot.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to venture into the intersection of technology and the restaurant business.

Jiishu Bansal: Entrepreneurs venturing into the intersection of technology and the restaurant business should meticulously consider key factors for success. Firstly, strategic location is imperative, ensuring accessibility and a target customer base. Visibility, both physically and online, is paramount, necessitating a robust online presence and utilisation of technology for marketing.

In the competitive restaurant landscape, offering a distinctive taste and culinary experience is essential for customer retention. Additionally, catering to diverse preferences, including accommodating space for events or parties along with your regular customers, broadens the business appeal.

By amalgamating technological advancements with these fundamental considerations, entrepreneurs can position themselves for success in the dynamic and evolving intersection of technology and the restaurant industry.

In concluding our interview with Mr. Jiishu Bansal, the mastermind behind Mie.Roboluscious and The Family Robo Restaurant, it becomes evident that his commitment to pushing the boundaries of culinary and technological fusion knows no bounds.

With a passion for creating memorable dining experiences, he has successfully introduced India to the realm of talking robot restaurants, offering a glimpse into the future of hospitality. As we bid farewell to this insightful conversation, it is clear that Mr. Bansal’s innovative spirit and dedication will continue to shape the landscape of dining, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of food and technology.

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