Machines over service, What'll it be?

Machines in one Bar appear to be taking on the role of the beloved barmen.

The Automaten bar in Berlin Germany is as its name suggests "automated". With bartenders just under 7ft tall one serving wine, another serving spirits, another in the corner dispensing snacks in little packets. But wait a second, the bartenders are machines. In fact everything in the Automaten Bar is "automated", making it the world's first Robot Holstery.

Strictly a members estaiblishment, no bouncers at the door you get in by swiping your members ID card, well why not, no ruckus is going to go on in this place with its state of the art security system.

While enjoying your drink you can gaze at that sweet android that caught your eye, listen to the computer juke box with its video accompanied display, or if your curious you can look out on to the street through the broad window at the front of the club. But if you feel it is somehow cheating to indulge in anything so innately human, you can watch the screens above the window, which give a view down the streets on either side.

And quite soon they will have internet hookup so members can see if their drinking buddies have popped in. Well on the scale what do you think?, you have to admit its pretty cool. But when you get wasted like I do, I would rather be told "Sorry mate, I think you've had a bit too much to drink", rather than "I'm afraid I can't do that, Dave".

Written by Josh Hamilton Information provided by John Hooper of The Guardian, UK. Find more out at www.guardian.co.uk