By Pulse Tasmania
Publication Date: 2026-01-04 18:00:00
A food shop in Hobart has deployed an AI-powered “metahuman” to serve customers. The technology’s developers claim it can help small businesses survive Tasmania’s tough winter trading times.
Dr. Mohammad Mustanir Rahman recently introduced “Matilda” at Seven Mile Beach Store after taking over the business in December 2024.
The virtual assistant can take orders, provide tourist information and analyze sales data.
“We had a lot of trouble in the winter because we are usually open about 13 hours a day, but for me as a business owner, it is very difficult to maintain two employees at the same time,” Rahman told Pulse.
The AI receptionist is integrated into the store’s point-of-sale system and will soon be able to speak multiple languages, including Chinese, Bengali and Hindi.
Dr. Rahman, who holds a PhD in AI from the University of Tasmania, said the technology costs around $1,000…
