An invite-only AI assistant called Instinct, developed by Silicon Valley start-up Spear Street Technology, promises to get users tables at fully booked restaurants. Jessica Burrell put it to the test after learning about it from a tech executive at a dinner.
How Instinct Works
The assistant operates through WhatsApp, where users can message it to book tables, monitor flight prices, handle inboxes, and even plan weddings. Instinct is free to download and can be linked to Google Drive and payment services, though users are advised to give it explicit instructions not to act without sign-off.
Spear Street Technology closed a $350 million Series B funding round in August at a $2.5 billion valuation.
Testing the Service
Burrell asked Instinct to find a table at Dorian in Notting Hill. The assistant responded within a minute with options at 5.30pm next Tuesday. When asked for something sooner, it offered to check hourly for new tables.
This hourly checking may be to avoid being "bot-blocked" — when a service stops an AI from performing tasks. OpenTable and Delta Air Lines are among platforms that have blocked or restricted AI agents.
Outcome
Despite the assistant's efforts, it never managed to secure a table at Dorian. The tech executive suggested speaking to Instinct "like it's your bitch," but Burrell declined, noting that manners matter with an AI apocalypse looming.
