Trends in Smart Restaurant Research: Bibliometric Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

Background The automation of processes and services has transformed various industries, including the restaurant sector. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and big data have been increasingly adopted to enhance service delivery, improve user experiences, and enable data traceability. By collecting user feedback and analyzing sentiments, these technologies facilitate decision-making and offer predictive insights into future food preferences. This study aims to explore current research trends in intelligent restaurants, focusing on technological applications that improve service and decision-making. Methods A bibliometric analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-2020 guidelines. A total of 94 academic documents were reviewed from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, focusing on publications related to intelligent restaurant systems, particularly involving IoT and automation technologies. Results The analysis revealed that the United States, India, and China have contributed the most to the field, with a particular emphasis on China’s implementation of IoT architecture and robotics in restaurant settings. Chinese restaurant innovations, particularly in robotics, are among the most frequently cited in the literature. The study identifies these countries as leading the research in the intelligent restaurant domain. Conclusions Technologies such as IoT, machine learning, RFID, and big data are driving advancements in restaurant automation, enhancing service efficiency and user experience. The United States, India, and China are leading research in this area, with China standing out for its application of robotics and IoT in restaurants. This research provides a foundation for future studies aimed at improving predictive models for food selection and service optimization.