Barista Bot

By D.A. Kahn

Experience an science fiction story inspired by the newest discoveries in Artificial Intelligence. What happens to society when we develop a machine that serves your latte with personality?

 

"At first glance I expected just another "creator invents a self aware A.I." story. It wasn't long before I realized just how wrong I was. Not only did I instantly fall in love with the character "B.B.", but I found the character of the creator to be relatable. Each new chapter seemed to alter the way the story was being told, but in a way that was fresh and easy to follow. As both a fan, and friend to SourceFed, I was very pleased to see the Phillip DeFranco reference as well. Not only did the story have depth, and a real-world view, but it was entertaining and thought-provoking. Without spoilers, I can easily say that I did not see the ending coming. I've read many similar stories, and I assumed I knew where this was headed, but I was happily surprised. If you are looking for an intelligent, quirky, and fun read...I highly suggest Barista Bot. "

- Prof. Sparrow; Prof. Sparrow Publishing

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.A. Kahn
• Release date: Nov 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393090298

Book preview

PHASE 1: Ping! Pong!

She picked up the cup and threw its contents (15 ounces of 45˚c of micro foamed whole milk, 5.553 ounces of espresso) in my face. It was akin to when you decide to sit in the splash zone at SeaWorld, only lukewarm and milky. A loud clapping noise resoundingly struck my cheeks.

BB was a robot with uncanny accuracy and strength, no doubt about that. Picking up the towel from the pocket of her apron, I dabbed my dripping, warm face gingerly.

That wasn't very nice, BB. TS¹: why did you do that?

Protocol 56 allows me to serve a drink as I see fit to the behavior of the guest. A drink was thrown on my vessel in the past: December 13th, 2049. Further information on facial cues diagnosed that you have: DISDAIN and DISRESPECTFUL attitudinal readings aligning with observable characteristics; examples include-

Pause. Stop. Thank you, BB, for reminding me of resting-bitch-face. I held up my hand dismissively. Vacantly staring at my face, I felt like there was a light smile resting on her jaw apparatus. She had a sarcastic response script stored for answering something like that, but it was almost as if she bit her tongue. Or, more probably, the Pause Command actually paused her speech functions, for once.

I rolled my eyes. Resume. She clicked over instantly to wiping down her station; dish towels in positions A B C were all utilized. Bustling about, she set to clearing the espresso machine grate of water and steamed milk, rolling the shot glasses between her fingers and the towel with agile grace. It took me forever to program those hand functions so they appeared seamless. For months, countless crushed, popped, and shattered shot glasses covered the track floor.

Humming Hi-ho while she returned the milk pitchers to the fridge, she glanced up at me. Beautiful day, isn't it?

I wiped off the remaining milk from under my chin, suddenly second guessing the greeting line I programmed her with. Sure ... absolutely magical.

Her sarcasm recognition input her to softly laugh. You don’t think so? Her electronic static eyes crinkled slowly as she smiled, not matching the laugh.

Staring at her for a beat, I sighed, setting down the towel. BB, standby. Instantly, her eyes went dormant, backing away into the unknown place technological devices go when they shut off. Hunching over like a scarecrow, she hung lifelessly on her track.

As a programmer and engineer, it seemed obvious to me that the next step for the service industry would be automation. The development of faster technology and instant gratification was making it difficult for individuals to work in positions of food service. The turnover rate was always high – and the work was mentally stressful. We had evolved past the waiter, the cook, the bartender who moped along at ‘I-hate-my-job’ speeds. However, something in our collective consumer brains made us want to connect and enjoy our dining experiences. Chatbots and artificial intelligence became so commonplace for factory work, some people absorbed the mannerisms of these machines. Particularly those who worked alongside the mechanisms. The race to design more ‘human’ servant bots became neck breaking. Companies invested and initiated them without full testing, which resulted in many failed (sometimes dangerous) experiments on employees and