展会上的日本机器人厨师

Japanese robots are now looking to invade the restaurant industry taking on the roles of pancake cooks, sushi chefs and even table waiters. Robots with skills related to food and the kitchen were introduced at a food machinery exhibition in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Among all the robots at the event, this robot chef manufactured by the Toyo Riki Company is one of the most innovative and inspiring.

The robot's specialty is the Japanese pancake.

Narito Hosomi, President of Toyo Riki Engineering said "We all know that robots can be very useful. We want to take that utility out of the factory and use it elsewhere."

Observers say that with Japan's aging population and declining number of young workers, there will be a rising demand for robots that can work in the kitchen.

Other robots at the event include one that slices vegetables. And there's also a two-wheel table waiter, carrying drinks and food without spilling.

Tomio Sugiura, President of Sugiura Kikai Sekkei said "In the near future, every family will have a robot that can help out with various things at home."

Most of the robots on display at the expo were for demonstration only and are not yet for sale. Manufacturers say the robots could cost around 180,000 US dollars each.