Robot baristas and AI chefs caused a stir at CES 2024 as casino union workers fear for their jobs

Robots of all kinds caused a stir on the show floor this week at the annual CES technology trade show in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- The barista tipped the jug of smooth, foamy milk over the latte, pouring slowly at first, then lifting and tilting the jug like a choreographed dance to paint the petals of a tulip.

Latte art is a skill that can take months if not years of practice to master — but not for this barista powered by artificial intelligence.

Robots of all kinds caused a stir on the show floor this week at the annual CES technology trade show in Las Vegas.

It’s innovations like this that worry Roman Alejo, a 34-year-old barista at the Sahara hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip, who can't help but wonder if the clock is ticking on hospitality jobs in the age of AI.

“It is very scary because tomorrow is never promised,” he said. “A lot of AI is coming into this world. It is very scary and very eye-opening to see how humans can think of replacing other humans.”