Restaurant Automation: A Framework using Data Acquisition and Visualization for Improved Customer Experiences

Restaurants are an integral component of the culinary industry and have become a significant area of research with the advancements in technology. Incorporation of innovative approaches in the hospitality sector ensures improved efficiency, better customer experience and adaptability for evolving resources. The concept of "Restaurant Automation" has been revolutionizing the customers and restaurant proprietors experience by providing culinary excellence and world-class dining establishments. This work focuses on investigating the influence of technological interventions on customer dining experiences at the automated restaurants by developing a sensor-based solution for order-taking and processing, comprehensive customer monitoring, and table management for in-dine experiences. Through the automated ordering and processing system, customers can place their orders seamlessly, leading to quicker service and minimizing order inaccuracies. The real-time customer monitoring component empowers the restaurant staff to promptly address customer needs and preferences and encourages personalized interactions and enhancing loyalty. The automated table management system optimizes resource allocation and reduces waiting times, fostering customer satisfaction, and streamlined operations. The system is designed and implemented using Sense-Think-Act paradigm with use of data capture and visualization technologies. The proposed solution is cost-effective and energy efficient and utilizes current state-of-the-art in restaurant automation.