By Ian Neubauer
After years of experimentation, Asahi Breweries unveiled the world’s first fully functioning robotic bartender at Selfridges department store in London on Wednesday.
Mr Asahi, as the robot is called, can serve a beer in just under two minutes, replies politely to customers, has a permanent smile and allegedly stays calm under pressure.
Technicians spent six months fine-tuning its movements and nuances that are powered by compressed air triggers and switching mechanisms.
“Having employed Mr Asahi and seen him at work, I’m sure he’ll be a great asset to the Asahi team,” said Asahi UK brand manager, Christian Hamilton,
“We were looking for a unique way to sample our beer as we go on our first national tour and we think that Mr Asahi will certainly attract a great deal of attention in bars, clubs and multiple grocers.”
Asahi’s beer brands account for about 50 per cent of the domestic beer market in Japan, with Asahi Super Dry ranked ninth in terms of global market share.
To see Mr Asahi in action, click here.
