A coffee shop uses AI to monitor its employees, measure productivity and times, and can’t believe what it finds

Artificial intelligence has already become a staple in industries like manufacturing and e‑commerce, where it’s used to streamline operations and speed up routine tasks. Now, that same technology is making its way into the restaurant and café world. And its arrival isn’t without controversy: some critics argue it opens the door to excessive surveillance.

One example is NeuroSpot Barista, an AI system that analyzes video footage to monitor what’s happening inside a coffee shop. Using cameras installed throughout the space, the software processes information in real time—tracking how long it takes to prepare orders and measuring employee activity levels.

As shown in the demo video, the system can display employee productivity, their movements, how many drinks each person prepares, and more. It also tracks customer behavior, including how long guests stay—from those lingering for over an hour to others who’ve been there just 15 minutes.

Businesses can use this data to identify peak rush times, reorganize staff schedules, or improve day‑to‑day operations. Supporters compare the technology to other management tools that help owners make data‑driven decisions and cut unnecessary costs.

Workplace, technical, and legal concerns

Critics, however, point to three major issues. First is the impact on workers’ well‑being: being constantly monitored can increase stress in an already demanding industry. Then there’s the legal side. In Spain, where this system is being tested, such monitoring must comply with strict data‑protection laws, require prior notice to employees, and limit how the information is used.

Another concern is that customers are also swept into the analysis, since their movements and time spent inside the café are recorded. That raises broader questions about how far businesses should go when using technology to optimize performance.

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