By Payton Tholstrup

Image courtesy of K-State

According to a recent WIBW article written by Carson Shea, Kansas State University is pairing students with a robot in an on-campus restaurant.

Named the Wabash Cannonbot, the robot assists hospitality students and can be found at Lacy’s Fresh Fare and Catering.

“When they graduate, and they’re managing operations, it’s not a question of if restaurants and hotels and hospitals are going to use a robot; they’re already using them,” said Kevin Roberts, hospitality professor.

Wabash Cannonbot is part of a food production management class and gives students a unique way to prepare for evolving technology in the industry.

The robot takes food to customers after a student inputs where it needs to go. It also plays the school’s fight song on repeat.

Yue Vaughan, assistant hospitality professor, said the project received funding from the USDA.

“You know, it’s different to see how people react to it versus when you have a human bring out your food,” said Asher Swank, a K-State student. “You get some smiles, then you have some like ‘This is weird, where’s my server?’ but I think it’s been a good addition to the store and it’s providing a different aspect that we didn’t have last year.”

Roberts said it was a learning experience as they navigated how to work with the robot and the guests in this environment.

Lacy’s is located inside Justin Hall, at 1324 Lovers Ln # 118.