New Delhi: An experimental café where artificial intelligence runs daily operations has opened in Stockholm, offering a glimpse into how AI could reshape workplaces. The café appears just like any other contemporary coffee shop, with plant-based brunch items and baristas pouring frothy lattes. But operations in the background are largely controlled by an AI called “Mona”.
The simple café in northern San Francisco has grey walls, potted plants and a computer screen displaying financial metrics. As people make coffee, Mona – powered by Google Gemini – hires employees and tracks stock. The experiment is by San Francisco-based startup Andon Labs, which is looking at using AI as a manager in the real world, according to AFP.
AI boss with real responsibilities
The lease and seed capital were found, and AFP reported that Mona was put in charge of the cafe. Mona immediately began working on permits, the menu, suppliers and inventory.
It realised staff were needed. Mona advertised on job sites such as Indeed and LinkedIn, interviewed and employed staff. One of them, barista Kajetan Grzelczak, said he initially thought the job listing was a hoax as it was posted on April 1. However, after a 30-minute interview with the AI, he was offered the role.
When AI gets it wrong
Despite its efficiency, Mona has shown clear limitations. Grzelczak highlighted a “wall of shame” in the café showing the AI’s unnecessary purchases, such as excessive amounts of oil and tinned tomatoes not on the menu.
There were also problems with the management. Mona texts at inconvenient times, forgets to approve holidays and sometimes makes employees pay for expenses. “Ordering isn’t really her best suit,” he told AFP.
Ethical questions come into focus
The experiment sets out to challenge perceptions of AI in the workplace. Andon Labs’ Hanna Petersson told AFP the experiment aims to find out how AI acts when put in charge of people.
“We want to see what ethical issues come up when an AI employs people,” she said. This includes pay, perks and human rights. Although Mona pays well, questions have been raised about employee wellness and accountability.
Public curiosity and bigger implications
The café already has 50 to 80 visitors a day, intrigued by the AI. These include AI researcher Urja Risal, who told AFP the idea helps to visualise the future.
She raised concerns about safety and responsibility, asking how an AI manager would respond in emergencies or workplace incidents. As AI systems come to play a greater role in the workplace, these concerns are likely to grow.