Do it yourself check out lines are handy, but I’m not wanting to encourage a large amount of Robots as store workers. When I go into a retail establishment, my interaction with people is part of the (hopefully) pleasant experience.
I enjoy a moment of kindness from the cashier, I appreciate a relaxed smile, or a mild and positive expression of recognition. I don’t wish to lose all manner of human contact in the walk in businesses. There are many levels of understanding that one expects from a good store clerk. One expects good listening skills, some level of comprehension, and some degree of empathy for my predicament of that moment.
I don’t wish to have a monotone voiced, vacant eyed, ever-smiling hologram as my only interaction while outside the home. That would not be satisfying if always the only choice.
At a supermarket today, I handed a cashier a $5 bill for three items totaling under $2.50. The entire time, she chatted with a fellow employee about recent furniture purchases for her home and not once was I acknowledged. I extended my hand waiting for change (money) but received a perplexed glance before “I owe you change, don’t I?” A small inconvenience but still it seems inappropriate to discuss personal matters in such instances.