Robotic Coffee Shop for the first ever time in the UAE at AccessAbilities Expo

Visitors at AccessAbilities Expo 2016 will get to experience for the first ever time a Robotic Coffee Shop specially designed by Digi Robotics, a UAE-based robotics and autonomous solutions providing company.

Soon as a visitor gets seated in the Robotic Coffee Shop, he can order for his coffee, tea or juices and even list preferences using an interface on the seat, following which a robot prepares the drink ordered for using a machine, brings it to the customer and takes their feedback.

“The idea of the Robotic Coffee Shop is to ensure high satisfaction level, particularly in case of customers having disabilities. Once they are inside the coffee shop, they no longer have to worry about explaining their order or queueing up, or even the hygiene. They can simply sit and relax as a robot serves them,” said Kollina Hanskehian, Project Manager, Digi Robotics, which will be displaying the coffee shop for the first ever time during AccessAbilities Expo, bring held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, from February 9-11 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). The Expo is being organised by Reed Expo and Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management.

AccessAbilities, which has a strong support from the government, will have exhibitors from over 30 countries showcasing the latest smart assistive technology, educational tools, healthcare, communication and other products aimed at enhancing the lives of people having disabilities.

Digi Robotics will also showcase ‘Taxi Bot’, a specially programmed and designed driverless smart car which can accommodate upto eight people, including two people with disabilities.

Sharing the details, Kollina said: “It is the first such car in the region and is designed to operate in large buildings, airports, malls, hospitals, universities, big mosques, parks and places with large space to help people with disabilities move around without any additional assistance.  It is suitable for those having physical disability, or difficulty in walking around and also for people with visual impairment.

As a person instructs the car to stop, the seat comes out and once they get seated, the interface in front of the seat, which is connected with the local GPS in the building, gives an option to communicate the place he or she wants to go. This command can be given by selecting the place by touching the screen in front of them or even verbally.  The interface also communicates the special attractions or offers by outlets within the building.

“Our goal is to contribute to the vision of UAE’s wise leadership of making the country the world’s friendliest city for the disabled. Through our innovative and smart products, we aim to contribute to empowering and helping people with disabilities lead more self-dependent lives without much assistance.”

“AccessAbilities Expo will be a platform for us to reach out to government authorities and entities, which can, by introducing the car and even the coffee shop, greatly facilitate inclusion and empowerment of the disabled.”

AccessAbilities Expo is being strongly supported by government bodies including Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Municipality, Community Development Authority (CDA), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, Department of Economic Development (DED), Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Customs as strategic partners along with top centres for individuals with disabilities including Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, Autism Trust Foundation, Dubai Autism Centre and Mawaheb for Beautiful People; in addition to local and international companies in technology, telecommunication, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, tourism, education, infrastructure and facilities management sectors.