• A pilot project in Stockholm highlights the expanding role of intelligent systems in everyday management
• The initiative is also raising questions about workplace rules, accountability, and the limits of relying on technology

In an experimental move that raises broad questions about the future of the labor market, a café has been launched in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, operated entirely by an artificial intelligence system, in a practical attempt to test how far such technologies can go in handling full-scale administrative roles.

The project is led by the startup “Andon Labs,” which granted a system called “Mona” full authority to run the café—from selecting the location and securing funding, to daily operations and generating revenue.

The system is powered by Google’s Gemini technology, enabling it to carry out a wide range of tasks in a relatively short time.

According to those behind the experiment, the system handled licensing, menu design, supplier contracts, and daily inventory management. It also concluded that human staff were still necessary, leading to the hiring of two employees to prepare coffee and serve customers.

The hiring process itself was managed by the AI, which posted job ads on digital platforms, conducted phone interviews, and made final hiring decisions.

One employee at the café said he initially thought the offer was a joke, before going through a half-hour interview that ended with him getting the job.

Despite being described as well-paid, the experiment has revealed clear challenges, including blurred boundaries between work and personal life, with employees receiving messages late at night, as well as administrative errors such as missed leave requests or inaccurate purchasing decisions, including bulk orders of unused materials.

The café also allows customers to interact directly with “Mona” via a dedicated phone, while an internal screen displays real-time revenue and performance data, in an effort to enhance transparency.

The technical team emphasizes that the experiment goes beyond innovation, aiming instead to explore the ethical dimensions of AI managing human resources, including wage setting, decision-making in emergencies, and responsibility when errors occur.

Although newly opened, the café has already attracted dozens of visitors daily out of curiosity, amid growing debate over what the future of work may look like if intelligent systems become part of decision-making centers.