FERGUS THE LOLLYBOT TO MAKE HIS DEBUT AT THE BIG HOSPITALITY EXPO 2022

-Lolly’s first robot launches to support busy waiting on staff-

Lolly, the hospitality technology specialist, is excited to announce the launch of its first LollyBot – Fergus, into its digital product portfolio.

The robot waiter, which follows many months of development, has been designed to support a busy hospitality environment, in particular waiting-on staff. The robot, which can operate for a whole evening, can take food from the kitchen to a table in a restaurant, navigating obstacles and people on its journey. It can also interact with customers, and then return to the kitchen. Not only a waiter, Fergus can also clear tables, helping staff focus on delivering an enhanced personal dining experience.

When the robot is not on the job, it will automatically return to its docking station, where it takes approximately three to four hours to fully recharge.

Peter Moore, CEO at Lolly, comments: “We’re always innovating, and finding ways to take state-of-the-art technology and make it accessible, simple and highly agile.  The launch of Fergus the new robot waiter is no exception. The LollyBots are intended to support busy waiting-on staff, particularly during these difficult times when it comes to staff recruitment and retention.

“Aside from being an exciting attraction for customers, there is real commercial viability when it comes to investing in LollyBots. Fergus won’t ask for time off, will always show up for work and will do whatever you ask him to. The cost of robotics has also heavily reduced over recent years; the economics are beginning to really work.

“Over the last couple of years, we have seen a rapid enhancement in the take up and use of technology, including AI and machine learning – all designed to streamline the customer experience. Resistance to future change is futile, and I believe robot waiting-on staff are here to stay. Their introduction will create new, highly valued roles in engineering, servicing and maintenance.”

The LollyBot is available either as a one-off purchase or a monthly lease scheme, which includes maintenance and support from Lolly. The leasing option is an ideal financing scheme for managing cashflow especially in challenging economic times, with prices starting from approximately £750 per month over a three-year period.