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Unexpected heist at Pho 21
In a scene that could easily belong in a comedy film, employees at Pho 21, a Vietnamese restaurant in South San Jose, California, found themselves in a bizarre situation last Saturday morning. Just 20 minutes before opening, a man entered the establishment under the pretense of needing to use the restroom.
However, his true intentions quickly became clear as he attempted to steal one of the restaurant’s three robot servers, valued at a staggering $18,000.
Security footage captured the moment the would-be thief made his move. After disappearing into the restroom, he re-emerged and awkwardly approached the robot, wrapping his arms around it in a clumsy attempt to lift it.
The footage shows him waddling out the door, struggling under the weight of the mechanical server, which is designed to assist staff in serving customers.
Employees spring into action
As the man attempted to drag the robot outside, an employee quickly intervened, trying to stop the theft.
Despite the thief’s awkwardness, he managed to get the robot onto the sidewalk and into the trunk of his car. However, his victory was short-lived. Within seconds, other employees rushed out, successfully wrestling the robot away from him.
The entire incident unfolded in a matter of minutes, showcasing the quick thinking and teamwork of the restaurant staff.
Owner Tony Ngo later explained that while the robot is valued at $18,000, it would have been virtually useless to the thief.
The robot requires specialized programming to operate, making it impossible to use outside of the restaurant. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident, and the robot was quickly returned to its rightful place, ready to serve customers once again.
The rise of robots in the workforce
This unusual theft attempt raises questions about the increasing presence of robots in various industries. As technology advances, robots are becoming more common in settings ranging from restaurants to warehouses. Researchers are even exploring the potential for AI robots that can express emotions and serve as companions. Meanwhile, innovations in humanoid robotics, such as China’s latest 5’5” bipedal machine, hint at a future where robots could play significant roles in labor-intensive environments.
As we move forward, the line between human and robot labor continues to blur, prompting discussions about the implications for the workforce. The incident at Pho 21 serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of technology and its integration into our daily lives. With robots becoming more prevalent, it will be interesting to see how society adapts to these changes and what new challenges may arise.
