Why Robotic Bartenders Can’t Replace The Human Touch Behind The Bar
Robot bartenders were something of a novelty when I first wrote this article in 2016. Now they’re mixing cocktails on cruise ships and even in Las Vegas bars. But while the technology has improved and expanded, there’s one thing robots still can’t provide: the human touch that makes going to a bar such an enjoyable experience. This article was updated in October 2026.
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Editor & Publisher
When Royal Caribbean’s Anthem Of The Seas cruise ship introduced a pair of robotic bartenders at its Bionic Bar, I brushed it off as a PR move. And indeed, it received a lot of media coverage.
But I also sent a warning shot over the bow, so to speak, that if it caught on, robotic bartenders could be a trend in other places. I even predicted an ideal spot for would be Los Vegas, for “Sin City is always trying some new twist” to quote myself.
And guess what: that happened. Today, Tipsy Robot operates at two Las Vegas locations:
• Planet Hollywood: Miracle Mile Shops.
• The Venetian: Grand Canal Shoppes.
The company says its robots can produce as many as 120 drinks per hour but guess what: the operation also employs human staff.
Interesting as robotic bartenders are as a gimmick, tho, this is not something any real barfly would like to see replacing human bartenders. There are several disadvantages robotic bartenders. Here are five main reasons based on my years of going to bars and seeing bartenders work and interact with customers.
1.) Generous Bartender Pours
A robot is programmed to pour exact amounts of alcohol and mix into the drinks. This takes away the “generous pours” that bartenders give to customers. Those “generous pours” are either a reward for a good tip or maybe the bar (like a dive bar) pours drinks the old-style way, and that’s with a lot of liquor. You can’t get that with a robot.
It’s bad enough some places – and I’m talking to you, Toronto and London! – have those automated dispensers that cut off the alcohol when it reaches an ounce. Now a robot is doing it, too.
Bar owners will tell you this method – and robots – provide “precise pours.” Well customers don’t want precise pours, we want alcohol!
2,) The Human Touch On Drinks
A big part of making good drinks is passion. It’s like your grandmother cooking – I’ll bet she doesn’t know exactly how much of a certain ingredient she puts into making something good, she does it by feel and experience and she takes pride in doing it correctly. It’s the same with a good bartender. Those bartenders take a quick taste to be sure the drink meets their standards; a robot can’t taste the drinks it’s making before handing them to the customer.
3.) Bartender Service
Royal Caribbean says its robotic bartender can make two drinks a minute. But it can’t do it with a smile, with a friendly “here you go” or even recommend drinks if you’ve got a question.
Some bartenders are like robots, simply acting like a factory employee producing volume rather than providing pride or personal attention to customers. Those are not bars PubClub goes back to after such an experience. Even tho Royal Caribbean has programmed its robotic bartenders to occasionally “dance,” any programmed movements look, well, programmed.
4.) Bartender Chat
A robotic bartender can’t carry on a conversation with you, can’t laugh with you, can’t even pretend to like your jokes. It can’t listen to your stories and provide any “bartender advice.”
And you can’t flirt with a robotic bartender, which transitions nicely into point number five.
5.) Hot Bartenders!
No contest here. Many a male has been known to frequent a bar simply because a certain bartender is working or go to a place that’s known for its hot bartenders. Heck, women do the same thing too. The patrons may have robotic behavior as a result, but the hot bartenders are the real deal and are impossible to replace.
Where Can You Find Robot Bartenders Today?
Robotic bartenders haven’t exactly taken over the hospitality industry, but they’re no longer limited to experimental demonstrations. Royal Caribbean’s Bionic Bar concept has expanded to nine cruise ships, including Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.
On land, Las Vegas has embraced the concept at Tipsy Robot, which operates locations at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops and The Venetian. Other robotic bartending installations have appeared in Amsterdam and at casino and entertainment venues.
The technology continues to evolve, with manufacturers developing faster machines and systems that can work alongside human bartenders. But nothing beats the real thing.
Robotic Bartenders Q&A
Are robot bartenders replacing human bartenders?
Not on a widespread basis. Robotic bartenders are used in some cruise ship bars, casinos and entertainment venues, but traditional bartenders remain central to most bar experiences.
Where can you find robot bartenders in Las Vegas?
Tipsy Robot operates robotic cocktail bars at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood and Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian.
Do Royal Caribbean cruise ships still have robotic bartenders?
Yes. Royal Caribbean continues to offer its Bionic Bar concept, featuring robotic arms that mix cocktails ordered by passengers.
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and nightlife expert who has covered destinations, events and nightlife for more than two decades. While working as a newspaper reporter, he received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism.
Next Stop(s) On The PubClub Bartender Party Bus
• How To Get A Bartender’s Attention Without Being Rude: The Nightlife Blogger
• When Tipping A Bartender, The Difference Between Being Adequate Or Cheap
• Things Bartenders Do That Drive Customers Crazy
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