uWink

How technology-savvy is the hospitality industry going to get? I came across an article called "uWink Wins Hospitality Technology's Berakthrough Award Overall Technological Innovation." I became curious and searched for it to see what it actually was. uWink, Inc. has made a touchscreen device that can be placed on each table in restaurants. This would replace the menus. The guests would be able to self-order, play games alone or with a group, watch movies, and pay with this touchscreen. The guest's experience would all happen with this device.
The restuarant would be able to upsell and promote effectively almost 100% of the time, improve speed of service and order accuracy, raise labor efficiency by placing employees in other areas that need improvement, and reduce cash theft or loss by encouraging credit cards. Also, restaurants can post promotions and advertising on uWink to increase brand awareness. The benefit of technology is being able to offer multilingual service. uWink is translated into 11 different languages for the conveninence of customers.
The first uWink restaurant opened in Woodland Hills, California. Guests' have mixed opinions about this restaurant. While it was an innovative idea, it takes away the experience between guests and servers. Also, it decreases the need to talk to others. "All the games are casual. None take longer than 2-3 minutes to play." Some guests who are not technologically advanced would have problems with the device. Also, if the computers had an error or were down, there would be no menus to substitute. It would bring attention in the beginning, but it could fade away in the future. Many young people were in favor of the technology, but others preferred the menu in front of them. While it is a good way to upsell and promote, I do not know if the guets will be more satisfied. I do not know whether it is the speed guests prefer or the experience as a whole since interacting with the guests is another crucial element in the bundle.