Adoption Intentions toward Automated Cooking Robots among Foodservice Workers: The Mediating and Moderated Mediation Effects of UTAUT Factors and Perceived Risk

This study examined the factors influencing the behavioral intention to adopt back-of-house (BOH) service robots in the foodservice industry. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) constructs and perceived risk factors as predictors, a mediation and moderated mediation analysis was conducted via PROCESS Macro Models 4 and 7. The results indicated that performance expectancy had both direct and indirect positive effects on behavioral intention, while effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions exerted significant indirect effects through attitude. Conversely, technological and financial risks showed significant negative indirect effects. Among risk factors, privacy risk revealed a significant moderated mediation effect depending on employment type. These findings highlight the interplay between expectancy, risk perception, and employment stability in shaping attitudes toward robotic adoption in organizational settings.