Polynesian Cultural Center - Oahu

The Challenge: Gateway Buffet at the Polynesian Cultural Center needed to serve hundreds of guests simultaneously during peak hours while maintaining the warm, welcoming aloha spirit their visitors expect.

The Solution: SHAKABOTS deployed five autonomous food delivery robots to handle heavy lifting. Each robot carries 60–80 lbs per trip and completes 20–40 trips per hour during peak times. Bussers load used dishes into bins, swap them at one of five robot stations, and dispatch robots to the dish pit. There, staff unload full bins, reload clean ones, and send the robots back into service. 

The Results:

✓ Staff walk 1–2 fewer hours per shift
✓ Faster table turns during peak periods
✓ Reduced risk of workplace injuries from heavy lifting
✓ Strong guest engagement—robots generate instant social media buzz
✓ Measurable impact: 9% increase in Net Promoter Score (NPS)
✓ Rapid payback: ROI within 60 days — Greg Maples