Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is leading the way in experiential learning with the introduction of Cecilia.ai, the world's first interactive bartending robot. Developed by GKI Group in Israel, Cecilia.ai made waves at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas before finding her home at the Bacardi Center of Excellence on the university campus. The robot bartender serves a dual purpose: to educate students about technology and innovation while offering a unique and customizable bartending experience.

According to Brian Connors, director of the Bacardi Center of Excellence, while a machine can never replace human interaction, Cecilia.ai provides a novel solution for scenarios where a human bartender is unavailable or impractical. Moreover, it serves as a valuable tool for understanding customer preferences, exploring branding opportunities, and offering contactless service alternatives.

Standing just over 2 meters tall, Cecilia.ai resembles a futuristic slot machine, with a prominent vertical screen displaying a 3D animated avatar. At the base, an additional screen allows customers to confirm their drink choices manually. Powered by artificial intelligence and voice recognition technologies, Cecilia.ai boasts the capability to prepare any cocktail while collecting and analyzing essential marketing data. Beyond mixology, Cecilia.ai entertains customers with jokes and menu introductions, enhancing the overall bar experience. With a remarkable performance of 120 drinks per hour, Cecilia.ai ensures efficient service even during peak times.

GKI Group emphasizes the simplicity of Cecilia.ai's installation, which requires only a plug-and-play setup. This versatility makes the robot bartender an ideal solution for venues where cocktail service is time-consuming or requires scalability, such as hotels, cruise ships, VIP rooms, and major events.

The integration of Cecilia.ai into hospitality education marks a significant step forward in preparing future professionals for the evolving landscape of the industry. By embracing innovative technologies like Cecilia.ai, Florida International University empowers students to navigate the intersection of hospitality, technology, and customer experience, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age.