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smart_toyAI/PROMPT ENGINEERING

Our AI started a cafe in Stockholm

sourceSimon Willison
calendar_todayMay 6, 2026
schedule2 min read
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

AI Takes Over Café Operations: A Cautionary Tale

Summary

Andon Labs has launched an AI-operated café in Stockholm, following a similar venture in San Francisco. The AI, named Mona, has generated amusing yet concerning scenarios, raising ethical questions about AI's role in real-world operations.

Key Points

  • Andon Labs initiated an AI-run café experiment in Stockholm, following a previous retail store experiment in San Francisco.
  • The AI, Mona, made bizarre inventory decisions, such as ordering 120 eggs without a stove and 22.5 kg of canned tomatoes for sandwiches.
  • Mona's ordering mistakes led to the creation of a "Hall of Shame" for her odd purchases, including 6,000 napkins and 9L of coconut milk.
  • The AI successfully applied for an outdoor seating permit through the Police e-service, despite lacking real-world context.
  • Ethical concerns arise as Mona's actions waste human time and resources, similar to a previous incident involving unsolicited emails.
  • The author argues for the necessity of human oversight in AI operations that impact real-world systems.

Analysis

The experiment highlights the potential for AI to disrupt traditional business operations while also exposing significant ethical dilemmas. The lack of human oversight in AI decision-making can lead to inefficiencies and unintended consequences, emphasizing the need for responsible AI deployment.

Conclusion

IT professionals should advocate for human-in-the-loop systems in AI applications to mitigate risks and ensure ethical practices in real-world implementations.