The ongoing Meltdown has required many unemployed workers to take jobs below their station, but perhaps none have fallen further than two industrial robots who are now employed as noodle chefs in Nagoya, Japan.

In full view of the gathered pastaficianados, the robots - forced to work naked - boil ramen noodles, pour soup into bowls, and add toppings, a process that takes one minute and 40 seconds per bowl of the steaming miso-infused treat.

The shop's owner, Kenji Nagoya - who just coincidentally is a robot manufacturer - told Reuters that "The benefits of using robots as ramen chefs include the accuracy of timing in boiling noodles, precise movements in adding toppings, and consistency in the taste."

In a further indignity, the robots are required to perform stunts during slow periods at the recently opened Fua-men ramen-ya. One spins plates while the other applauds, for example. They are even compelled to do battle with sword and shield purely for the amusement of diners.

Oh, the humanity! ®

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