Byte into the future: Where to find (beep) Chicago’s restaurant robots (beep)

The future has landed in Chicago's restaurant scene, and it is rolling in faster than expected. This bold new era brings technology and innovation to the table with robots. This robotic revolution serves everything from sushi to cutting-edge traditional dishes with precision and flair. Robotic wait staff and fully automated AI kitchens make this an exciting time for Windy City chefs and food lovers alike.

Wagyu House – South Loop

Wagyu House Chicago is a member of the X Pot family of restaurants, with locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. This innovative Japanese restaurant combines authentic cuisine with cutting-edge technology, featuring robot waitersprogrammed to navigate the dining area. These autonomous robotic servers deliver food and drinks directly to guests. Each bot is equipped with screens that display messages, allowing for interactive communication with diners. With built-in lighting, sound, and visual effects, these charming little cyborgs contribute to a variety of entertainment, adding an extra layer of excitement to the dining experience.

Shabu-Yo Japanese Wagyu Hot Pot – locations in Naperville, Schaumburg and Vernon Hills

Dining takes on a futuristic twist at Shabu-Yo with the help of robot waitstaff. These high-tech robots deliver food directly to tables with their autonomous navigation and smooth, efficient service. Guests can sit back and watch as the robots flow effortlessly through the restaurant, bringing ingredients for hot pot and beverages. Robots at Shabu-Yo are equipped with screens that displaymessages and fun animations, which can add a playful and interactive element to the meal.

Sushi Naper – Naperville

The robotic servers at Sushi Naper cruise through the dining area delivering sushi rolls and drinks directly to diners’ tables. The screens allow the bots to interact with customers by displaying messages and adding a playful touch to service. With their cute little cat ears and digitally enhanced whiskers, the high-tech wait staff makes this an innovative spot for sushi lovers looking for something beyond the ordinary.

Sushi Plus Rotary Sushi Bar – locations in Chinatown, Lakeview and Aurora

Innovation takes center stage with a blend of cutting-edge automation and traditional sushi dining. Sushi Plus features a high-tech conveyor belt system that continuously delivers an array of fresh sushi right to customers' tables. Diners select dishes as they pass by, and a train above the belt delivers made-to-order food. In addition to the conveyor belt, the restaurant integrates robotic technology to assist with food delivery. Robots autonomously transport appetizers, drinks, and special orders to guests, keeping diners engaged throughout their visits.

Bawarchi Biryanis – Naperville

The high-tech robots at Bawarchi Biryanis autonomously bring a futuristic flair to the dining experience by delivering food and drinks to customers’ tables. Guests are greeted by these robotic assistants, which navigate seamlessly through the dining area, ensuring that orders are delivered quickly and accurately. The screens of the Bawarchi Biryanis robots can display fun messages or interact with diners in a playful way, making the meal not just about food, but also about enjoyment.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar – locations in Naperville, Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Skokie

At this chain of revolving sushi restaurants, the rotary conveyor belt transports food and a robot server brings the drinks. For added convenience, guests can also place custom orders via touchscreen tablets at their tables. Robot servers are fitted with screens and speakers, allowing them to respond to customer requests and check in with guests to see whether they're enjoying their meal or need any refills.

Mall of India Food Court – Naperville

The dining experience at Mall of India has elevated the concept of dining out. A fully automated multi cuisine robotic kitchen is powered by Nala Robotics' state-of-the-art technology. Robotic arms take charge of preparing and cooking meals with precision and efficiency. This cutting-edge system not only accelerates food preparation, but also guarantees consistency and quality in every dish. With minimal human involvement, the kitchen autonomously handles everything from dispensing ingredients from a high-tech pantry to cooking. Human staff members focus on taking orders, plating food, and serving diners. The food court boasts three restaurants–Nala Chef, One Mean Chicken, and Surya Tiffin–each offering a unique blend of traditional and fusion cuisine. Looking ahead, Nala Marketplace is set to become the hub for a virtual, open-platform restaurant concept, paving the way for the future of AI-driven dining.

Haidilao HotPot Chicago – 107 E. Cermak Rd., Floor 2 – Chinatown

Dining at Haidilao HotPot reaches new heights with the introduction of a robot server. While guests enjoy the interactive experience of cooking their own meal in a simmering pot, the fun extends beyond just the cooking. The robot server autonomously navigates the restaurant, delivering ingredients, sauces, and drinks directly to the table. Although some guests feel that this bot isn’t as interactive as other robot waiters they’ve encountered, it departs with a simple "Enjoy your meal" message on its speaker after delivering items. This adds a personal touch and enhances the overall dining experience.

Jiang Niu BBQ – Chinatown, Lincoln Park, Orland Park

At Jiang Niu BBQ, dining is an interactive and entertaining experience that blends traditional Korean BBQ with modern technology. Guests enjoy grilling their own meats at the table, but the highlight of the meal is the use of robotic servers that deliver food and drinks right to the table, adding a fun and futuristic twist to the experience. The restaurant also features a unique Ferris wheel presentation, where ingredients are delivered via a rotating platform, allowing diners to select their desired items as they pass by. With its combination of delicious, customizable BBQ and innovative technology, Jiang Niu BBQ offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Royal Sushi – North Park 

Dining at Royal Sushi is a unique experience highlighted by the presence of animated robot waiters. These high-tech robots sail through the restaurant, delivering sushi, drinks, and other menu items directly to diners' tables. Guests are treated not only to delicious, freshly prepared sushi, but also to the entertainment of the robots. From playing music to interacting with customers by way of their screens and speakers, the fun animations and playful messages add a lively and engaging element to the dining experience.

Sweetgreen – Willis Tower and Naperville

The Sweetgreen experience goes beyond fresh customizable salads. The innovative Infinite Kitchen concept adds a futuristic flair, where robotic systems assist in assembling salads with precision and speed. Numerous glass tubes are filled with over 50 different ingredients. As bowls move along a conveyor belt, various greens, vegetables, proteins and toppings are dispensed into the bowl in precise portions. Human staff add a personal flair by assisting with final touches such as dressings and garnishes before serving guests. The entire process can be viewed through a glass wall.

Hotel EMC2 – Streeterville

It’s not exactly a restaurant, but Hotel EMC2 takes room service to the next level. The hotel’s charmingly named Leo and Cleo are robot butlers that deliver everything from towels, toothbrushes, shampoos and food from the kitchen straight to guests’ rooms. Available 24/7, Leo and Cleo are dressed to impress, providing guests with the best service robots can deliver.