By the FL Innovation News editorial team · Entrepreneurship
Guests at the Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center are buzzing with excitement, and it’s not just the tequila talking… The resort’s new star attraction, Sara, is a robotic bartender with a knack for mixing cocktails and cracking jokes. Sara, the AI-powered marvel, is a product of the innovative minds at Cecilia.ai, an Israeli company making waves in the hospitality industry. This robo-mixologist is part of the Tampa-based Florida Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA) hospitality program, and she’s here to shake things up—literally and figuratively.
Sara is not your average bartender. Standing tall and sleek, she’s equipped with advanced AI and voice recognition technology. She’s programmed to mix tequila drinks with Casa Azul blanco, añejo, and reposado varieties, following recipes with the precision of a master mixologist. But Sara’s talents go beyond perfect pours. She’s designed to collect consumer data, identify favorite drinks, track peak times, and analyze commonly used keywords to provide actionable insights. This isn’t just a bartender; it’s a full-fledged data analyst disguised as a drink-slinger!
Sara’s deployment at Wyndham Orlando is a testament to Cecilia.ai’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience through technology. Since her debut on June 26, she’s been stationed primarily at the H Street Grille, the resort’s on-site restaurant. But thanks to her 24/7 operation capability, she’s also available to accommodate larger groups and parties throughout the resort. This unique partnership with Casa Azul aims to create a memorable mix of entertainment and hospitality, according to Daniel Berman, CEO of AD1 Global, the group managing the resort.
Cecilia.ai’s robots are making their mark across various venues, from hotels and airports to cruise ships and stadiums. Their ability to offer consistent, high-quality service while providing valuable data makes them a hit in the hospitality industry. Florida International University’s Bacardí Center of Excellence, Aroma Espresso Bar, Global Jewish Advocacy, and even Microsoft are among the growing list of clients who have embraced this technology.
Brian Connors, Director at FIU’s Bacardí Center of Excellence and a member of Cecilia.ai’s advisory board, is a staunch supporter of the technology. He emphasizes that robots like Sara are not here to replace human bartenders but to solve current challenges, such as labor shortages. “It’s about enhancing the guest experience with technology,” Connors explains. “We’re just scratching the surface of how AI can serve the hospitality industry.”
The hospitality industry has been facing significant challenges, particularly with labor shortages exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cecilia.ai’s technology provides a solution by handling repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing human bartenders to focus on the more personalized and creative aspects of their job. Cecilia and Sara can serve drinks, tell jokes, and even remember customer preferences, but they cannot replace the human experience. They don’t engage in conversations about your day, share stories, or create the unique interactions that make a visit to the bar memorable. Instead, they are there to assist, to ensure efficiency, and to enhance the overall guest experience by taking care of the tasks that don’t require a personal touch.
Nir Cohen Paraira, the creator of Cecilia, emphasizes this sentiment. “Cecilia is designed to be an extra pair of hands,” he explains. “She can handle the rush, serve drinks quickly and efficiently, and even work after hours when human staff might not be available. But the human touch, the connection, the creativity—that’s irreplaceable.”
The robotic revolution doesn’t stop at Sara. Cecilia.ai’s original creation, Cecilia, has been teaching hospitality students at FIU how to integrate AI into the industry. She’s a 7-foot-tall interactive robot capable of speaking 40 languages and serving 120 drinks an hour. Cecilia’s ability to scan IDs, suggest drinks, and even tell a few jokes makes her a fascinating blend of high-tech and high-touch hospitality.
As Cecilia.ai continues to innovate, their partnership with Howard Interactive promises to accelerate the manufacturing and deployment of their next-generation robotic bartenders. This collaboration is set to bring even more advanced features, such as built-in POS systems and improved refrigeration, to the market.
With FIBA’s support, Cecilia.ai is poised to expand its reach, particularly in the
Tampa area, where the hospitality industry is thriving. FIBA’s involvement ensures that companies like Cecilia.ai have the resources and connections needed to make a significant impact. So, the next time you find yourself in Tampa, don’t be surprised if your bartender is a witty, red-headed robot named Sara. She might just make you the best margarita you’ve ever had… Cheers to the future of hospitality, one robotic cocktail at a time!
