Society

Sushi chain launches contactless dining service amid pandemic

Nov 18 (Ruptly) - A Japanese sushi chain has introduced a totally contactless dining experience amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Customers could be seen using the new system, which uses pairs a touchless screen with sensors that capture customer's finger movements, at one of Kura Sushi's establishments in Higashimurayama, Tokyo, on Tuesday.

Visitors to the conveyor belt sushi restaurant have no contact with staff as they find their way to a table, order, and pay using the touchless screen as well as their smartphone. Eating utensils, as well as condiments, are to be found in a panel in the table, while dirty crockery is returned through a slot in the table.

The chain's public relations manager, Akihiro Tsuzi, stressed that the aim of the system is to prevent potential coronavirus infections "by eliminating the point of contact between the employees and the customers, and having the customers do everything from entering the restaurant to eating and paying by self-service."

The chain plans to introduce the system in all of its stores located in Japan, the US, and Taiwan by the end of 2021.

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