A Hobart takeaway shop has deployed an AI-powered “metahuman” to serve customers, with the technology’s creators claiming it could help small businesses survive Tasmania’s tough winter trading periods.
Dr Mohammad Mustanir Rahman recently introduced “Matilda” at the Seven Mile Beach Store, having taken over the business in December 2024.
The virtual assistant can take orders, provide tourist information and analyse sales data.
“During the winter, we struggled a lot because usually we open around 13 hours per day, but it’s very difficult for me as a business owner to keep two employees at a time,” Rahman told Pulse.
The AI receptionist is integrated with the store’s point-of-sale system and will soon be able to speak multiple languages including Chinese, Bengali and Hindi.
Dr Rahman, who completed his PhD in AI at the University of Tasmania, said the technology costs around $1,000 annually compared to employing a full-time staff member at $50,000 to $60,000.
“For Matilda, she will work 24 hours, 365 days,” he said.
The project is being developed by startup OmniEdge IT Solutions, co-founded by Dr Rahman alongside researchers Dr Mujibur and Dr Azmain Muhtasim Mir.
Dr Mir, an anthropologist, said the technology was designed specifically for regional businesses struggling during off-peak periods.
“If you think about winter, this is a very different scenario and this is the same thing in Queenstown, in Georgetown,” Mir said.
“Businesses are shut down and closed and they might like to have someone to assist them but the reality is you cannot pay someone full-time.”
The team claims both younger and older customers are adapting to the technology.
One regular customer reportedly asks Matilda to repeat her usual order each morning before walking on the beach.
Mir said the system learns from daily interactions and could be deployed in hotels, medical centres and migrant resource centres.
“It has got many potentials,” he said.
“If you think about hotel chain accommodation systems, if you are arriving in the middle of the night and you want to check in, it’s just helping everyone and making things easy.”
The developers acknowledge the current prototype has response lag issues they’re working to resolve.
They’re seeking government support and investment to expand the model across Tasmania, proposing a pilot program to support small businesses during off-peak trading periods.
