An AI agent runs this experimental Swedish cafe. Here's how it's going

"Experts say ethical concerns abound, ranging from technology's role in humankind's future to conducting job interviews and judging employee performance. Emrah Karakaya, an associate professor of industrial economics at Stockholm's KTH Royal Institute of Technology, likened the experiment to "opening Pandora's box" and said putting AI in charge can cause many problems. "If you don't have the required organizational infrastructure around it, and if you overlook these mistakes, it can cause harm to people, to society, to the environment, to business," Karakaya said."

An experimental cafe in Stockholm uses an AI agent named Mona to manage nearly all business operations while human baristas brew and serve orders. The AI, powered by Google’s Gemini, handles tasks such as hiring staff and managing inventory. The cafe’s sales since opening in mid-April have not yet covered its original budget, with setup costs consuming much of the funding. Customers can interact with the agent by using a telephone inside the cafe to ask questions. Some patrons find the AI-run concept entertaining and report good drinks. Experts raise ethical concerns about AI taking responsibility, including accountability if harm occurs and the need for organizational infrastructure to prevent mistakes.

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