A SoftBank Group subsidiary has teamed up with major Japanese household goods maker Iris Ohyama to boost the development of robot waiters.

The presidents of SoftBank Robotics Group and Iris Ohyama said on Wednesday the firms have formed a capital and business alliance.

Iris Ohyama has invested 10 billion yen, or about 87 million dollars, in the robot developer. The two firms set up a venture company last year.

They unveiled a new robot capable of delivering meals from kitchen to table in eateries or hotels.

The robot waiter navigates its way around by using sensors to read markers on the ceiling. It is capable of carrying loads of up to 40 kilograms.

Demand for robots is growing in the food service industry to redress a labor shortage and minimize the risk of coronavirus infection.