Meet Rob, the world’s first humanoid robotic bartender at sea

Meet Rob, the world’s first humanoid robotic bartender at sea

MSC Cruises has revealed details of its immersive, futuristic MSC Starship Club featuring Rob, the first-ever humanoid robotic bartender at sea.

The MSC Starship Club will be exclusively available on board the cruise line’s newest flagship, MSC Virtuosa, when she comes into service from 16 April 2020.

This integrated bar and entertainment experience, inspired by MSC’s vision of the spaceship of the future, is enabled by state-of-the-art technologies designed to create a futuristic atmosphere.

This includes 3D holograms, an immersive digital art wall and a 12-seater infinity digital interactive table, giving guests the possibility to explore space with their own personalised galactic tour.

Rob will mix and serve his signature cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), along with countless other personalised drinks – just like a human bartender would do – while engaging the guests with his voice and human-like expressions.

Guests will use specifically designed vertical digital cockpits within the area to place their order. Rob will then get to work and use all of his customised robotic skills to prepare the cocktails – pouring spirits, juices and syrups; shaking, stirring and garnishing.

Not only does Rob prepare an impressive range of cocktails, but he can speak eight languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese), and he also has a clear personality that evolves with the surrounding settings and atmospheres.

He uses his LED face to convey emotion so that guests can enjoy his performance while they sip on their cocktail.

The status of the cocktail preparation will be displayed through digital monitors within the area and a ticker-tape-style LED strip above the robotic island, while being immersed in the space-themed experience.

The cosmic cocktails are served in custom-designed futuristic glasses that guests can collect as a lasting souvenir of the MSC Starship Club experience.

Guests will be able to return to the club multiple times over the course of their cruise, experiencing a new interaction with Rob each time.

The MSC Starship Club has been nearly six years in the making, since the first original concept.

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