Within Vista del Monte’s resident dining room amidst the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of contented diners, robotic servers glide with an elegance that belies their practical purpose. These new sentinels of service, a blend of technology and hospitality are transforming the dining experience for residents and staff.
The introduction in the fall of 2023 of these waist-high, rolling black and tan columns — essentially sophisticated trays on wheels — has brought a novel charm to Vista’s traditional dining setting.
“The robots have arrived!” quips Vista del Monte’s Dining Services Director William Henderson. Initially skeptical, William now champions these automated allies, seeing them as more than just machines, but as valuable contributors of a new era in dining service.
Each robot, a sleek pillar equipped with flashing undercarriage lights, a control screen and a message board, maneuvers deftly around the dining room. “They’re fun to watch,” said resident Helen McCann, echoing the sentiment of many who find amusement in the robots’ smooth dance around tables and chairs. Their presence is a spectacle in itself, adding a layer of entertainment to the dining experience.
But it’s not just about the spectacle. These robots, certified by NSF International for their sanitation standards, are redefining the role of human servers. “They help us get the food out faster,” said Dining Room Manager Lisa Raab about the increased efficiency the robots bring. The technology was developed by Bear Robotics and introduced through the Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing, a program of Front Porch, Vista’s parent company.
“The robots do more than just streamline service,” William said. “They elevate it.” The beauty of this synergy lies in its subtlety. “They are non-intrusive and quiet,” he continued, emphasizing that the robots supplement rather than replace human staff. This delicate balance between technology and personal touch is crucial. The robots do the legwork, quite literally, leaving human servers free to engage more deeply with residents, enhancing the overall dining experience.
After loading the robots with hot dishes, staff simply select the designated table number on the robot’s digital display. The machine then smoothly pivots and sets off toward the assigned table, moving at a leisurely pace slightly slower than a walking speed. In turn, staff can easily stack dirty dishes on the robots for a trip back to the kitchen, making bussing quick and easy.
The response from residents and staff alike has been overwhelmingly positive. “They are my new best friend,” said one server. “I think they are great.”
The robots bring joy beyond their functional role, playing, for example, Happy Birthday for celebrants and spreading festive cheer with Christmas carols during the holidays. “Everybody’s head turned when they first came out,” resident Martha Saatjian recalled about residents’ initial reaction.
“If they help the servers, I’m all for them,” Helen said.
Vista’s robot servers are not just a futuristic novelty. They are a testament to the harmonious integration of technology in enhancing human experiences. As the dining room buzzes with conversation and the robots glide seamlessly, delivering dishes with mechanical grace, it’s clear that at Vista del Monte, the future of dining is not just being served — it’s performing a ballet of innovation and tradition.
Have lunch with us at Vista del Monte and see our robots in action. Schedule your lunch and tour today by calling 805-687-0793 or by emailing VDMsales@frontporch.net.
