The Rheintal Ost service area is one of the most innovative of its kind in Switzerland. There is now a new employee: the service robot "Bella".
The Rheintal Ost rest area is testing the BellaBot
Five years ago, the Rheintal East rest area on the A13 motorway opened a new building at a cost of approximately 7,5 million Swiss francs. The operator, Raststätte Rheintal AG, implemented sustainability, regionality, and digitalization in the new building. The rest area is virtually energy self-sufficient, uses fresh, regional products, and the service robot " Bella " has recently joined the team.
The Thurau Group, to which the Rheintal Ost service area also belongs, is interested in process optimization and sustainability and is pursuing an atypical strategy for a service area. The company is equipped with the latest technology and supplies itself almost exclusively with its own solar energy. "We want to stand out from the crowd and show that a service area can be just as innovative as, for example, a hip restaurant in the city of Zurich," says CEO Peter Hofstetter.
Solution for long walkways and relief for employees
Peter Hofstetter's latest test purchase is also said to be the solution to a proven problem in the catering industry: alternatives for long walkways and relief for employees. "The goal is not to replace staff, but to find solutions to relieve them," says Hofstetter. "We would like to save the service staff unnecessary trips and thus also see a more efficient use at the front line, namely in our guest care."
Use of the service robot in day-to-day business
The Freshness counter concept The service at the rest stop is strictly time-controlled: 7 minutes after the order is received, the food, prepared with regional products, is served at the table. "We are happy for the additional help, which saves us the trip between the kitchen and the customer. Our BellaBot He performs all the auxiliary tasks in the service, meaning he brings the drinks and food to the table, while the waiter serves the guests from the service robot. Some guests, of course, prefer and are allowed to serve themselves from the robot. BellaBot "Serve," says Hofstetter. The service robot is also constantly in use when clearing tables, thus saving the employees the trip between the tables and the washing-up station. "Our employees see the BellaBot as a form of assistance. It is important to us that everyone benefits,” the CEO added.
Plus point: Unique guest experience
The service robot's appearance makes it not only helpful but also a real eye-catcher for guests. It's a unique experience for young and old alike, something never before seen at a rest stop. "Guests love our BellaBot "Great, and the children almost go crazy when it comes driving up and flashes its lights," was Peter Hofstetter's response when asked how the service robot is being received at the company.
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