We’re all feeling the tech and innovation wave in our day-to-day lives, from smartphones and the internet to how we get around. It’s no secret that these things have played a huge part in shaping our society.

If we take a step back and look at it through an economics and history lens, we can see how certain technological leaps, like roads, factories, and communication, have supercharged the growth of industries in different countries throughout history. And now, in the present day, computers and software are stirring up a mix of good and bad vibes.

We Filipinos are pros at being consumers, which comes with many daily dilemmas. We’re talking about juggling price changes, store accessibility, tastes and preferences, and consumer habits. Luckily, companies and businesses are there to lend a helping hand, offering customer service and support to help us make better decisions.

With our crazy busy lives, many turn to online delivery services through handy phone apps.

But when it’s time to stock up on household essentials, many still hit the local grocery store or supermarket. On one of my recent trips, I crossed paths with some cool robots cruising around. Seeing these robots at the grocery store, which reminded me of the ones at Jollibee, made me realize that even in the little things we do as consumers, these robots are here to lend a hand and make our lives much easier.

Customer service has taken on a new vibe lately, with innovations popping up everywhere you turn. In Japan, it’s common to see robots zipping around in restaurants and fast food spots, delivering food and clearing up dishes. I spotted similar robots at a supermarket and a Jollibee branch, looking just like those in Japan, though with a language twist.

Strolling into the veggie section of a supermarket, I came face to face with this robot, loaded with all sorts of goods on its built-in trays. This futuristic machine was on the ball, detecting movements and keeping track of where everything was. When it noticed me in its path, it politely said, “Kindly move aside.” I couldn’t help but chuckle and share the moment with my son. It was my first run-in with this kind of tech.

In Japan, these robots are pros at delivering fast food orders and tidying up, all while flashing marketing images and texts on their screens, including customer messages and reminders. And just like their supermarket buddies, they’re quick to strike up a chat and offer friendly reminders and greetings to everyone around.

Despite being eye-catching, these robots don’t seem out of place at all. Sure, they stand out a bit, but let’s be real — many of us have seen similar tech online being used in other countries. Standing just around a meter and a half tall, these robots draw your attention as they bustle around the place. But once you’re there experiencing this technological shift, you can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction and contentment with the service they provide. Just watching them in action is enough to make you feel impressed and satisfied.

But while tech brings a load of perks, we can’t ignore the downsides. On one hand, programmed technology could potentially replace human employees, leading to job losses. Although it might seem like these robots are just meant to assist the service crew, the reality is that some people could end up without work. Plus, replicating or replacing human emotion is no easy feat, and that’s a crucial part of interpersonal communication in customer service.

What’s more, these machines still have limitations in their movements and might not be as effective as human service crews in restaurants or retail stores when it comes to handling responsibilities.

As consumers, we all want cost-efficient services and top-notch products, and that desire can drive the push for AI implementation.

Customer service is on fire thanks to the tech tweaks. It’s like these programmed robots are the secret sauce, lending a hand across industries, from fast food joints to supermarkets. By blending this tech with human hustle, we’re cooking up cost-effective services and top-notch goods for everyone.

It’s like finding the perfect mix for a killer recipe.