Service Robots as Robotic Kitchen Assistants

A service robot named Flippy is helping chefs by taking the most repetitive and boring tasks out of cooking. And a robot barista is learning how to craft the perfect latte with unmatched precision. These robotic kitchen assistants are improving both the customer and the kitchen experience in the food service industry.

Benefits of Using Service Robots in Food Service

Restaurants and other food service businesses need alternatives for traditional ways to produce and serve food. First of all, the food industry has a growing shortage of kitchen workers. High levels of turnover currently cause a lot of frustration for restaurant owners and managers.

Recently, increased minimum wages in many U.S. states have contributed to a sizeable increase in food preparation and service costs. This has led to higher prices for the consumer. Businesses are also looking for higher profitability to compete. With the help of automation, the food service industry can eliminate sick day absences, personality conflicts, training costs, and human errors.

Flippy the Kitchen Assistant

Many restaurant employees, especially chefs and cooks, put in long days and hard work. Flippy, a service robot being used in kitchens to assist with cooking tasks, is no exception. Flippy can work long hours doing repetitive tasks.

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Like any kitchen staff member, consistent performance is expected. Flippy is a cloud-connected mechanical arm with 3D thermal scanners for eyes. Flippy can perform a variety of tasks, such as flipping burgers, frying baskets of food, monitoring the cooking process, and even cleaning up when needed.

Flippy is able to automatically switch tools on its own. It can cook consistently every time. Thanks to cloud-connectivity, Flippy is constantly learning and improving its technique. And it boasts 100,000 hours of continuous uptime. For a 24-hour diner, Flippy never needs a break.

The Robot Barista

Ordering an espresso drink from a robot barista may seem like science fiction, but it’s now a reality. Coffee shop customers can order and pay for their coffee with a smartphone, then a service robot coffee maker gets to work.

The robot barista arm grinds the beans, pumps shots of espresso, and creates the drink just the way the customer wants it. The robot can supply water and coffee in the perfect ratio every time. The robot barista can make the drink fast, efficiently, and exactly the same every time.