A restaurant owner has found a unique way to attract customers by acting like a robot waitress while welcoming and serving them.

This way, the owner, Miss Li, has reportedly been able to attract curious passersby to her hotpot eatery in Chongqing, in south-western China, without spending on advertising.

Instead, she just stands at the entrance in a waitress' uniform and mimics a robot with stiff and precise movements.

Miss Li, who is a skilled hip-hop dancer, will even speak to potential customers in a mechanical voice to attract their attention.

Many have reportedly been captivated by the unusual and incredibly realistic performance and began flocking to her restaurant to experience the robot service provided by Miss Li herself.

One clip shows her pouring tea for a customer and serving it to him at his table while he watches her in astonishment. She could almost fool anyone watching if she had not let a small giggle slip out at the end of the video.

Another piece of footage incredibly shows the 'robot,' this time joining the party as she poured herself a glass of liquor, then toasting with a customer before taking a sip.

A third video shows Li standing at the front door and performing mechanical movements, apparently demonstrating how she would greet and welcome customers at her restaurant.