SINGAPORE, Nov. 27 -- A Singapore restaurant is thinking of launching autonomous flying robots to do some waiters' work in one of its outlets by the end of next year, local media reported on Thursday.

The autonomous flying robotic waiters, known as Infinium-Serve, will be first launched at an outlet of Timbre Group. Local broadcaster Channel NewsAsia said it is believed to be the world's first commercial attempt.

Infinium Robotics and Timbre Group signed a memorandum of understanding in October. Both companies are seeking productivity- related government grants to help offset deployment costs.

Infinium Robotics Chief Executive Officer Woon Junyang said the project is estimated to cost a "low seven-figure sum" for the five outlets, subject to final negotiations and certain variables.

The company has showcased a prototype of Infinium-Serve to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the inaugural launch of the National Productivity Month in early October.

Woon said he is confident that such robotic solutions will help alleviate the labor crunch in Singapore. It would help take away mundane tasks of serving food and drinks, and allow human waiters to focus on higher-value tasks such as getting feedback from customers, he said.

"It will result in an enhanced dining experience which will eventually lead to increased sales and revenue for the restaurants, " he added.