These developments are part of the Singapore government’s Food Services Industry Transformation Map

The Singapore government’s relentless campaign of tech disruption has reached one of Singaporean’s most treasured haunts — the food centres.

Spring Singapore launched an initiative last year called the Food Services Industry Transformation Map. Its aim is to tackle the pain point of shrinking food service workforce using technology.

“With an ageing workforce and changing career aspirations among younger workers, the critical issues facing the industry are those of raising productivity and reducing reliance on manpower,” read a statement on Spring Singapore’s website.

Over the weekend, the initiative bore its first fruits. Two new food courts in the Tampines and Choa Chu Kang have been outfitted with tech features such as e-payment systems and tray-return robots. e27 visited the outlet at Choa Chu Kang, called Foodtastic, to find out more. Here are some photos:

The EZi e-wallet allows patrons to pay for meals using their smartphones.

On the top left-hand corner below the touchscreen, there is a scanner that scans QR codes from the EZi e-wallet on the smartphone. The machine also accepts payments by NETS, NETS FlashPay, and cash.

Patrons can select to eat on the premises or take away their food.

The menu lists all the food options available, even showing chef recommendations. (something you will usually only see in restaurants).

At first glance, the problem with this set up is very clear: there is very little customisation options. Cai png (Chinese mixed rice) stalls usually allow patrons to pick and choose what dishes go into their plate. You can also usually request for less or more rice. The above allows for only four pre-set meal options.

To facilitate cleaning of utensils and dishes, they are divided into Muslim (halal) and non-Muslim (non-halal) categories. The funny little robot on the bottom left sweeps up the floor.

Another robot, but what does it do?

Well, upon activation, a platform is elevated, allowing the robot to be attached to the tray return station. The robot moves along a pre-set path, marked by grey strips on the ground. These tray return robots are only activated once the tray return towers are filled. Oh, and they have to be activated manually so they are not “smart” or anything like that (for now).

Also Read: Healthy food delivery startup IndieDish wins TOP 100 Fight Club: Thailand

So, in essence, these tray return robots are not designed to replace the cleaning staff, but rather assist them in their jobs when things get busy.

—

Want to be part of the ecosystem?

Register for your Echelon Asia Summit access pass now! Enjoy +10% off Echelon Asia Summit Startup, Investor and Corporate passes just for being our favourite e27 reader: e27.co/echelon/asia/register/?code=EMPOWER10

The post In Photos, Singapore food centres roll out robots and mobile wallet payment system appeared first on e27.