Service robots are widely used in Asia, and over the past few years they have been gaining ground in European cafés and restaurants too. From a Michelin-starred castle restaurant in Germany to a UK restaurant chain trial and a rollercoaster restaurant in Nuremberg, the examples show how venues actually use robots and what they expect from them.
This overview collects reported examples, the robots involved and the reasons operators give. Venues change, so check the current situation before planning a visit.
Contents
Examples from Europe
1Schloss Filseck, Uhingen, Germany
The Michelin-starred restaurant at Schloss Filseck in southwestern Germany bought a PUDU BellaBot, named “Luigi” to match its Mediterranean cuisine, and was reported by Falstaff as the first restaurant of its class in Germany to do so. Management stressed that the robot supports rather than replaces waiters, saving staff many kilometres of walking a day in the historic castle. In keeping with the setting, Luigi wears a waistcoat and bow tie.
2Bella Italia at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, UK
In 2022, Big Table Group, which runs Bella Italia and Café Rouge, trialled a BellaBot with Pudu Robotics at its Center Parcs Whinfell Forest restaurant. The site was chosen because of the long distance between kitchen and tables. Staff load plates onto four shelves, the robot delivers to the table, and it can display custom messages and sing Happy Birthday. The company said the goal was to free teams for guest experience.
3Chinese buffet restaurants in the UK
UK press coverage of the Bella Italia trial also noted that BellaBot was already serving at a Chinese buffet restaurant in North West England, one of many independent venues using delivery robots.
4’s Baggers, Nuremberg, Germany
A different kind of automation: at ’s Baggers, which opened in 2007 and was featured by the BBC, guests order on touchscreens and meals arrive along metal tracks that spiral down to the tables like a rollercoaster. It shows that automation in hospitality can be about experience as much as labour.
Coffee is the next frontier. Robotic coffee kiosks already operate in airports and offices, and humanoid robot baristas are emerging; we compare the options in our robot barista vs coffee kiosk guide.
Which robots these venues use
Most European venues use open-tray delivery robots. Staff load the plates, the robot drives to a mapped table and guests take their food. Robots that prepare food or coffee are still much rarer.
PUDU BellaBot, used at Schloss Filseck and Bella Italia, carries 40 kg across four trays. For long all-day service, Keenon T9 runs 13 to 18 hours; for narrow cafés, Keenon T8 fits through 55 cm aisles. Our robot waiter comparison goes into detail.
Why European venues use robots
Operators give two main reasons. The first is supporting staff: hospitality across Europe has struggled with recruitment, and a robot that handles the walking between kitchen and table lets people focus on guests. The second is attention: robots make a venue memorable, shareable on social media and attractive to families.
Lessons for your own venue
The venues that report success position the robot as a teammate, not a replacement, choose routes with long walks where the robot saves the most time, and give it a personality that fits the brand, down to a name and a bow tie.
If you are planning your own venue, our guide to opening a robot café covers concept, permits and costs, and our buying guide covers VAT, CE and delivery.
Referral note: When you request a quote from Robots Europa, mentioning Dijipedya and referral code 08AF5658 helps your enquiry be tracked correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Are there robot restaurants in Europe?
Yes. Examples include Schloss Filseck in Germany and a Bella Italia trial in the UK using PUDU BellaBot, as well as automated concepts such as ’s Baggers in Nuremberg.
Do robot waiters replace human staff?
The operators in these examples say no. Robots carry plates and dishes so staff can spend more time with guests.
Which robot waiter is most common in Europe?
PUDU BellaBot is one of the most widely reported models in European restaurants, alongside Keenon robots.
Compare the restaurant robots used by European venues and request a quote.
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