Robot Tip Prompts Spread as 10% Fees Expose Legal Gray Zone

1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 19

$17 cocktails at Las Vegas's Tipsy Robot came with a 10% service fee, highlighting a growing practice of machines prompting customers for gratuities with little clarity on who ultimately gets the money.
U.S. labor law bars employers from taking workers' tips, but experts say no clear legal standard governs tips given to robots, creating a potential loophole for companies to keep the proceeds.
Artly Coffee and Tipsy Robot said human staff receive all tips, and Artly has already turned off digital tip prompts and raised wages after customer complaints.
Consumer resistance may decide whether robo-tipping lasts: one study found only 11% would tip a robot bartender, though willingness rose to about 42% when people knew human employees would benefit.