Robot Or Human? The Mystery Of A Waitress In China

A widely circulated video from a restaurant in China has become a sensation, showcasing a unique blend of technology and entertainment. The clip features a robotic waitress demonstrating impressive skills while serving customers with robotic-like moves.

The video quickly caught the interest of online users and received praise for its inventive approach to customer service. Posted by @asian_technology__, the footage was filmed at Chongqing Hotpot Restaurant. The robotic waitress, styled in ordinary attire with long, wavy hair, appears remarkably lifelike.

Robot Or Human? The Mystery Of A Waitress In China

Her performance, which has been documented in several viral clips, features her using robotic motions to assist clients. In one of the internet videos, she is seen serving food to a table arranged with duck entrails, gammon, veggies, and a fiery hotpot soup base while using a robotic hand. She serves food, pours tea, makes toast, and waves robotically to greet guests at the door. Her performance has left viewers perplexed, with many believing she is a real robot.

An internet user questioned, "Is this really a robot?" Another was in awe of her unblinking gaze. The most perceptive viewers, however, have recognised the "robot" as a genuine human after spotting minute characteristics like her nose's pores and blackheads, as well as the tiny movement of her nostrils when she inhaled.

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Jiupai News reports that the restaurant owner, a 26-year-old with the last name Qin, has been professionally trained in dance since she was 12 years old. She has been deeply immersed in the art form since childhood. She explained that the precise and rhythmic movements typical of robots closely mirror the rhythmic patterns found in street dance, which she has been passionate about since childhood. 

Qin clarified, "Although I consciously act out expressions with my eyes, the movements themselves are controlled by muscle memory and coordination." The concept of impersonating a robot arose organically from her interactions with friends and unexpectedly gained popularity online.

"When customers or friends come to the restaurant, we dance together. By chance, they thought my impersonation was very realistic and recorded a video of me, which was then uploaded online," Qin recounted. "For me, it's all about enjoying myself and showcasing my talents to enhance the restaurant's appeal with something unique," she concluded.