The trend is toward wireless tabletop menu presentation, ordering and payment. A Reuters article by Rebecca Harrison “Restaurants try e-menu” introduces the e-waiter. “Restaurants in Europe, the United States and Japan are testing technology to let diners order their food direct from a screen at their table instead of depending on a fellow human being to note their choice -- sometimes grumpily or erroneously.
Besides cutting costs, companies that sell the "e-menu" argue the bytes-for-bites approach has a novelty value that can lure younger customers, and boost revenues as tantalizing photographs of succulent steaks and gooey desserts tempt diners to order more”