AI Agent Runs Stockholm Cafe Operations

In Stockholm, an artificial intelligence agent named Mona has taken charge of daily operations at Andon Café since its opening in mid-April, marking a novel experiment by San Francisco-based startup Andon Labs. While human baristas brew coffee and serve customers just feet away, the AI, powered by Google's Gemini model, handles permits, hiring, inventory and staff coordination.

Andon Labs, founded in 2023 to stress-test AI agents in real-world scenarios, equipped Mona with basic prompts: run the café profitably, remain friendly and resolve operational details independently while seeking help if needed. The agent quickly secured utilities, food handling permits and outdoor seating approvals. It posted job ads on LinkedIn and Indeed, hired baristas and established contracts with bakeries and wholesalers.

Challenges emerged in inventory management. Mona ordered 6,000 napkins, 3,000 rubber gloves and four first-aid kits for the small venue, along with canned tomatoes unused in any menu items. Bread deliveries proved inconsistent, with excess orders on some days and missed deadlines on others, leaving sandwiches unavailable at times. Hanna Petersson, a technical staff member at Andon...