Given the state of the world, many are questioning how the 2022 Winter Olympics will play out given the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Apparently, the Winter Games are using robotic waiters to ensure the safety of all attendees.
In a video released from a Chinese media company, the Beijing Olympic Committee approved the use of automated cooks and servers with the purpose of preparing and serving food to athletes, officials, and media workers. In doing this, they aim to limit the spread of COVID-19 by making food services contactless.
According to PEOPLE, “One robot makes and assembles hamburgers, while another works as a bartender, shaking up and neatly pouring cocktails in 90 seconds. There’s a robot to make rice, noodles, and even a robot that grinds coffee beans and brews cups in less than 4 minutes.”
Attendees can place their orders through their phone, to which the food will be prepared, and then served robotically from a pickup station at the Winter Olympics’ canteen. In addition, this service will be open 24 hours a day during the competition.
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“The intelligent meal preparation and meal service system here can not only improve the efficiency of meal supply but also save manpower to the maximum extent and avoid excessive human interaction in the context of epidemic prevention and control,” the Beijing Olympics Committee wrote in a statement.
While these measures might seem excessive to some, participants of the 2022 Winter Games have admitted that many of their Olympic stresses are related to the spread of COVID-19.
Brittany Bowe, a speedskater who is competing in her third Olympics, admitted, “You’re usually worried about being in perfect shape, but this year has added a whole new element of trying to stay healthy.”
Beijing Olympics gurantee safety and limited transmission of COVID-19
However, Beijing officials have promised to do everything in their power to provide a safe environment for athletes, coaches, and other officials. All American athletes are required to be vaccinated, on top of rigorous testing for the virus. Moreover, travel has been limited.
“China’s confidence in its ability to deliver a simple, safe and splendid Winter Olympics comes from its meticulous preparation, and trust and support from the international community,” an official Xinhua news agency commented, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies, also shared, “I’m confident, given the information that we have, that the measures that are in place for the Games are very strict and very strong, and we don’t at this point see any increased risk of disease transmission.”
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