As a way of easing the burden on waiting staff, it’s an
idea that could certainly get off the ground.
British restaurant chain
YO! Sushi has launched what it says is the world’s first flying tray, a kind of
airborne waiter capable of delivering food to tables faster than the more
traditional leg-equipped variety.
What is iTray?
The so-called iTray
(check it out in the video below), which is apparently capable of reaching
speeds of up to 25mph, took off from the kitchen of the restaurant’s flagship
store in London over the weekend.
How does it work?
Essentially a modified
quad-copter , the flying machine is controlled by an iPad, with a member of
staff tilting the tablet to control its movement. It features two built-in
cameras so the ‘pilot’ can accurately guide the food-laden tray to diners’
tables before flying it back to the kitchen.
One customer who received
his food on the iTray was evidently impressed. “When I ordered the burger, I
didn’t imagine it was going to come flying across, into my face, on a tray,” he
said, adding, “It was amazing, it was the weirdest thing.”
Speaking of food flying
into faces – with customers constantly coming and going, not to mention those
making their way to and from the bathroom, you might think the iTray is an
accident waiting to happen, but thus far we’re happy to report that no
iTray-diner entanglements have been reported. Presumably the tray flies well
above the heads of diners, though if it hits a wall on its way to a customer,
it could result in a bowl of miso soup landing on your head.
YO! Sushi boss Robin
Rowland said the iTray was unveiled as part of the launch of a new rice burger.
“YO! Sushi is about
delivering a new concept in an unusual and exciting way,” Rowland said. “The
iTray concept came from our thinking of how are we going to show people how
light and exciting and fun this food type is.”
If the flying tray proves
popular with diners and doesn’t lead to any unfortunate accidents, it could be
rolled out to its other stores next year.
YO! Sushi, which
currently has more than 70 restaurants worldwide, was the first in the UK to
introduce the conveyer-belt sushi system popular in Japan and also uses robotic
trolleys to serve up drinks to diners.
To let you get a feel for how they look in action, here is a video showcasing iTray on Youtube.
