Are robots the better service providers?

There are many reports, articles, and books about robots. This certainly stimulates thoughts. However, this happens even more intensely during an encounter between humans and robots. I had the opportunity to experience such a situation firsthand. I must admit, the humanoid robot Pepper fascinated me from the very first moment. So, it works similarly to humans, I thought. Here, the first impression is particularly important. How did Pepper manage that? He was smaller than me. His head met the criteria of the baby schema. Big head, big eyes, an almost endearing look. I tapped him on the shoulder and addressed him. "Hello, can you look at me for a moment?" After being prompted twice, he turned his head towards me. Alternating pink and light blue light sparkled around his eyes. I tilted my head up. He did the same. I lowered my head, and he did too. Honestly, I could hardly resist his "charm." What was and is Pepper programmed for? What does he have to offer? Pepper is being prepared for countless applications. For example, as a service robot in hotels and in bank lobbies. These are just a few of many other possibilities. Everyone has experiences with friendly and unfriendly service from humans. Should the unfriendly ones simply be replaced in this way? There are other solutions, I think. Currently, people are urgently needed for the service sector. Futurists predict full employment in the next 20 years. So, no need to worry about the threat from robots? Pepper's baby schema is appealing, unfriendly service providers are not. However, friendly service providers are highly valued. People like people - what a stroke of luck. Of course, we all prefer a genuine friendly smile from a flesh-and-blood human. And what if this person is not in such a great mood for very human reasons? Decide for yourself. What would you choose in case of doubt: - The helpful, quite "cute" robot - Average service from a human - Courteous service from an enthusiastic service provider? In upscale hotels, enthusiastic service providers are of course counted on. Enthusiasm rubs off on customers. We all wish for enthusiastic customers. And if the enthusiastic service provider cannot shine with enthusiasm for a moment? I prefer to see a slightly more serious face than a clearly recognizable mask. Who knows what this person is going through right now. What I do not appreciate is mechanical "playing along," as we know it, for example, from the USA. Honestly, I find it rather silly when someone at the reception mechanically tells me in the morning: I dreamt of you all night. Such a person appears at least as programmed as a robot. However, he lacks the charm of such a little fellow. For my part, I prefer to give a smile to a service provider who is not quite so diligent. They need it right now. Are we becoming more aware again of the high importance of human performance? We gladly hand over heavy physical work. Also, rather monotonous research tasks or tasks that are repeated in a similar way do not offer much incentive. However, let us pay close attention to how many robots we want to be surrounded by. Which tasks should be reserved for humans? And just as importantly: How do we want to work as humans? True warmth delights others and ultimately ourselves. Take courage!