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"We [science fiction writers] always wanted to believe in "private sector" space -- hucksters make better characters than a government does."
- Larry Niven

Robot Bartender  
  An automated, mechanical bar tending robot.  

The star chamber in the home of Presteign was built to provide the ultimate in security. So much so, that human employees were often forgone in favor of robots.

His senses uncrossed in the ivory-and-gold star chamber of Castle Presteign... Taste became taste as he sipped the cognac that the robot bartender handed him.
He knew his life was at bay, faced with the decision of his life. He ignored his enemies and examined the perpetual beam carved in the robot face of the bartender, the classic Irish grin.
"Thank you," Foyle said.
"My pleasure, sir," the robot replied and awaited his next cue.
"Nice day," Foyle remarked.
"Always a lovely day somewhere, sir," the robot responded...
"Day," Foyle said.
"Always a lovely day somewhere, sir," the robot responded...
Foyle turned to the others. "That's me," he said, motioning to the robot. "That's all of us. We prattle about free will, but we're nothing but response ... mechanical reaction in prescribed grooves..."
Technovelgy from The Stars My Destination, by Alfred Bester.
Published by Berkley in 1956
Additional resources -

Compare to the usuform robot bartender from Q.U.R. (1943) by Anthony Boucher.

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Additional resources:
  More Ideas and Technology from The Stars My Destination
  More Ideas and Technology by Alfred Bester
  Tech news articles related to The Stars My Destination
  Tech news articles related to works by Alfred Bester

Robot Bartender-related news articles:
  - Robotender Ernie First Robot Bartender
  - Mr. Asahi NOT World's First Robot Bartender
  - Roboxotica Festival For Cocktail-Robotics
  - Qbit Robot Bartender Also Makes Coffee
  - Pandemic Entrepreneurs! Consider Robo Esso Robot Barista

Articles related to Robotics
'Birds Aren't Real' An NPR Gen-Z Conspiracy
Mika The Robot-Boss
Sensitive, Soft Robot Skin
Finger Sensors For Robot Hands

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