Source: BroBible
Summary
A Los Angeles man shared a video of a self-serve coffee machine at Denver International Airport that asked for a tip, sparking debate. The machine, which requires no staff, prompted the user to add a tip, leading to criticism. The airport has introduced several self-serve machines, including a robotic barista. Some viewers agreed the machine’s tip request was excessive. A 2026 survey found 81% of people believe tipping has gotten out of control.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name.
Coffee machines now ask for tips. No staff, no skill, just a prompt.
People are confused. Why tip a robot? It’s not a person.
Self-serve is the new normal. But tips? That’s old.
Tip culture is losing its grip. Even machines are questioning it.
Author: Evan Null
What’s The Machine?
The airport has recently implemented several self-serve machines. Fly Denver announced a “Barista Bot Robotic Vending” machine inside the Denver International Airport. The Barista Bot machine brews fresh coffee using Coda Coffee, a local Denver brew. It does not accept tips. Many airports have also implemented technology in their “grab-and-go” marketplaces, which uses AI to identify products, such as cans of coffee, within seconds.
Should You Tip A Robot?
In the comments section, viewers generally agreed with Anjedani—the machine asking for a tip had taken things a step too far. “This might be the first one I have heard where it’s not debatable, way too far,” a viewer said. Another commenter said, “I too was victimized by this thoughtless machine.” Then a third added, “My partner and I have stopped doing business with any company that [asks] for a tip other [than] waiters and waitresses.” Viewers even guessed that things would get worse in the future.
Has Tipping Culture Gone Too Far?
The debate as to whether tipping culture has truly “gone too far” has raged on for years. But many customers have seemingly come up with an answer: yes. A May 2026 WalletHub survey found that 81% of people think tipping has gotten out of control. Alongside that, WalletHub estimates that around 40% of Americans think the United States should ban tips. There’s still an honest debate as to whether customers should tip at coffee shops, at least according to Reader’s Digest. That debate includes discussion of whether baristas, bagel shop workers, and counter employees are doing skilled jobs that would make tipping genuinely beneficial.
The Case For Tipping A Machine
The case for tipping a machine, then, genuinely weakens. Viewers said there was no skill set a 24/7 kiosk had that’s worth tipping. The post Los Angeles Man Picks Up A Coffee At A Self-Serve Machine In The Denver International Airport. Then The Machines Asks Him A Little Question: ‘We’ve Lost The Plot’ appeared first on BroBible.
Reactions And Predictions
Viewers even guessed that things would get worse in the future. “Next they’ll tell you that you need a subscription to purchase a drink lol,” a commenter said. The debate over tipping culture continues, with many arguing that it’s outdated and unfair. Some suggest that the rise of self-serve machines and automation is making the practice even more absurd. As more businesses adopt these technologies, the question of whether tipping is still relevant becomes more pressing.
