WE'RE all familiar with robotic dispensing of medications - but what about robotic dispensing of beer?
A new "bionic barman" (pictured) has debuted in Spain to help ensure social distancing is maintained as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
The robotic beverage server has been installed during the lockdown period at a bar called La Gitana Loca (The Crazy Gypsy) in Seville, and can happily serve drinks without any risk of contamination.
Spain is gradually easing its coronavirus lockdowns, but a high death toll has meant bars and restaurants are only just starting to reopen now.
The bar's owner, Alberto Martinez, said he bought the robot before the pandemic escalated, but had not been able to activate it before the bar was forced to close.
However "we thought it would be ideal for reopening in phase one," he told AFP.
"It's all very self-service," he added, with disposable plastic cups used and no contact whatsoever between customers and other items in the bar - which unfortunately is still limited to a maximum of 12 patrons at a time.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 May 20
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