It's well known that Tokyo has an abundance of coffee shops
Especially here in Shibuya with it's popular Starbucks overlooking the Scramble Crossing
But today..
I've come to the basement of a shopping complex to have my coffee made...
by a robot!
This is "Sawyer". Japan's first Robot Barista
Sawyer works at the Henn Na Cafe
located in this H.I.S. travel agency in Shibuya
He can make a variety of caffeinated drinks
hot or cold
and even has some snacks on offer if you're peckish
- Hi. My name is Tom-
-nice to meet you-
errr.. no. Your name is Sawyer.
it's right there on your chest
I think it's becoming self-aware
Let's order a drink while it's still compliant.
Ordering is simple, and is done at this machine.
Insert your money
Make a selection
and you'll be given a ticket with a QR code
Over at the bar..
place a cup in the thingy
scan the QR code
and watch him go!
If you've ordered one of the standard drinks
Sawyer will take your cup to another coffee machine
press the appropriate buttons
and when it's ready, he'll bring it over to the collection area
Leaving you thinking...
`Well that was pointless. I could have done that myself in half the time'
But don't be discouraged
Sawyer is a worthy barista
and when requested, is capable of much more than instant coffee
Order "drip coffee" from the machine
and Sawyer will get to work on an authentic pour-over brew
First, grinding the coffee beans
and pouring the grounds into the filter
then, taking it all over to the hot water at the front station
where the ritual begins!
An initial pour to wet the grounds
and let it sit for a few seconds, allowing the gasses to be released
Then....
The main pour commences.
[Sexy smooth jazz music plays]
Slowly...
delicately...
A gentle flow...
in a continuous
spiral motion
allowing the water to descend evenly through the grounds.
drawing out the flavour
for a dark...
rich...
smooth cup of coffee
Thaaaaank you!
aaaand Thank you!
MMmmm!
yeah, that's actually pretty good!
Like any good barista, Sawyer will clean up after himself
washing the filters ready for the next use.
I like your hat, Sawyer!
-hi. My name is Tom-
-Nice to meet you-
Your name is Sawyer!
You make coffee!
Ok, it's having a crisis.
I'm going to leave...
before it develops emotions and starts throwing waffles.
If you'd like a coffee made by a robot on the verge of an uprising..
It's downstairs at the MODI building
Just a short walk from Shibuya Station
Tom....
...SAWYER!
I JUST GOT THAT!!
Hah!