Shanghai dreams of a new era of “AI restaurants”. But can the guests take it?

China’s leading metropolis has a vision for the future of food – and it is restaurants powered by artificial intelligence, with automated kitchens, robotic servers, data-driven menus and intelligent supply chains.

The city aims to become a “nationally leading world-class hub” for smart restaurants by 2028. It’s part of a plan that analysts say could spark a major shakeup in China’s vast restaurant sector: reshaping the way meals are prepared and revamping the labor market.

The action plan, released Tuesday by Shanghai’s Commerce Commission and four other city departments, aims to encourage restaurants across the city to overhaul their operations using new technologies over the next three years.

“About group meals, fast food…