The progression of AI in the F&B industry has seen that certain jobs and roles have been rendered obsolete. Technology has been opted by certain companies to increase efficiency and reduce human error in areas like manufacturing and data organization. Although it has not greatly caught on, this rise in Artificial Intelligence has faded out service roles in certain eateries.
However, as advanced as technology becomes, there is always a uniqueness to human interaction especially within the F&B industry that is so closely intertwined with the hospitality industry that is not easily replaced. Some areas that are irreplaceable by Artificial Intelligence include areas that require building relationships, creativity and handling unpredictability in consumers.
The reason that human touch is needed more in certain roles than others is that humans are gifted with the ability to ideate and come up with unusual and clever ideas or solutions depending on a given topic or situation. Most AI lack social perception and are programmed to carry out selected tasks leaving them unable to negotiate, persuade or innovate on an emotional level.
Here are 5 jobs that require such emotional and adaptable skills which are difficult to be achieved by the use of Artificial Intelligence:
- Bartenders
This role is one that is centred on human interaction coupled with the skill and flair that is achieved through social experience, practice and innovation.
- F&B marketers
Finding out the best way to reach out to an audience for any product, food products, in this case, requires a level of creativity and understanding of human behaviour that is lacking within AI to create any unique experience for consumers.
- Hospitality Managers
Being a manager in the F&B / hospitality industry requires human judgement and response needed when dealing with unpredictable situations and building relationships with customers on an emotional level.
- Chefs / Bakers / Craftsmen
While the skills themself can be performed by AI, the ability to create complex and new recipes or dealing with the crisis within the kitchen requires a level of innovation that AI cannot achieve.
- Educators in F&B
Human interaction is necessary for the process of passing down wisdom and experience within the field as it is easier to assimilate the knowledge that is taught with a human touch.