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Robots are rapidly transforming the food and beverage industry by boosting efficiency and precision across various operations. From automated bartenders and coffeemakers to robotic systems in production and packaging, these technologies are reshaping the way we work. This evolution tackles challenges such as labour shortages and rising costs, while simultaneously enhancing quality and customer experiences. FoodBev Media’s Siân Yates explores the rise of robotics in the F&B industry.

Birmingham, UK, is home to the Sandbox VR immersive virtual reality gaming experience, which combines motion capture, haptics and cutting-edge technology. I came to play the zombie pirate game, Curse of Davy Jones, but I stayed for Toni...

Who is Toni? Toni is the UK’s first robotic bartender that prepares, shakes, stirs and serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Created by Italian company Makr Shakr, Toni is the centrepiece of a futuristic bar where over 150 spirits dangle upside down from the ceiling, ready to craft cocktails with precision.

The presence of Toni at Sandbox VR is just one example of how the use of robots is rapidly transforming how companies operate, innovate and compete. As technology advances, robots like Toni are being deployed across various stages of production, processing, packaging and service.

In the food and beverage industry, this adoption is driven by the need for increased efficiency, precision, speed and consistency, as well as to address challenges such as labour shortages and rising operational costs.

Robotics in food production and processing

Robots are increasingly used for tasks that require precision, speed and hygiene. For example, in poultry processing, robots are employed to debone chicken with remarkable accuracy. Japanese company Nippon Zoki uses robotic systems to handle delicate meat-cutting tasks, ensuring minimal waste and reducing the risk of contamination compared to manual processing.

Meanwhile, Tomra Sorting Solutions, a company specialising in sensor-based sorting systems, uses robotic sorters with advanced cameras and lasers to sort food items by size, shape and quality at incredible speeds. These robots are capable of identifying and removing defective products or foreign materials, significantly improving the quality control process.

Automation in packaging and quality control

Robots are also making a significant impact in packaging and quality control. In the past, these processes relied heavily on manual labour, which was not only timeconsuming but also prone to human error. With the introduction of robotics, companies can now achieve higher levels of accuracy and consistency.

Fanuc Robotics, a manufacturer of robotic systems, has developed specialised robots for food packaging. These robots are capable of handling tasks ranging from filling and sealing packages to palletising finished products. In a partnership with Nestlé, Fanuc’s robotic arms are used to package a range of products with precision and speed, ensuring that each package meets strict quality standards.

Enhancing customer experience

Beyond the production line, robots are also enhancing the consumer experience. One notable example is Flippy, a burger-flipping robot developed by Miso Robotics. Flippy has been employed by several fast-food chains, including White Castle and CaliBurger, to cook burgers with consistent quality and reduce waiting times. This not only improves efficiency but also ensures that customers receive meals cooked to perfection every time.

In the beverage sector, Briggo has introduced robotic baristas capable of making a wide range of coffee beverages. These robotic coffee kiosks, known as ‘Coffee Hauses,’ allow customers to order and customise their drinks via a mobile app. The robots can operate 24/7, serving high-quality coffee quickly and efficiently without the need for human intervention.

Another example is Eatsa, an automated restaurant concept that uses robotics and automation to create a unique dining experience. Eatsa’s model relies on a fully automated kitchen and a front-end system where customers order via digital kiosks or mobile devices.

Once an order is placed, it is prepared by robotic systems in the kitchen and delivered to a designated cubby for the customer to pick up. This model eliminates the need for front-of-house staff, significantly reducing labour costs and minimising human contact, which has become increasingly important in a post-pandemic world.

Although Eatsa has since pivoted from its original concept, the company’s innovative use of robotics and automation has influenced many other players in the industry to explore similar technologies.

Future outlook

While adopting robots has many benefits, it also presents challenges. The initial investment can be high, especially for smaller businesses, and there are concerns about job displacement and the need for workforce upskilling.

Despite these challenges, the future of robotics in the F&B sector is promising. As technology evolves, robots are becoming more affordable, versatile and intelligent, allowing companies to improve efficiency, maintain quality and enhance customer experiences. Overall, robotics is revolutionising operations in the industry, from production and packaging to customer service.

Robot revolution: Top technologies

Cutting-edge advancements in robotics and automation are transforming industries worldwide. From factory floor to foodservice, these technologies are revolutionising efficiency, safety and sustainability. Discover how robotics is enhancing agricultural practices, modernising food production and delivery, and paving the way for fully autonomous restaurants.

ValTara

ValTara, a division of Paxiom Group, introduced the PKR-Dual Delta Robot case packer, designed to enhance efficiency in case packing operations. The system uses two Delta robots that work together to pick and place various products – including bags, pouches, cartons, and trays – into cases.

This new packing cell is noted for its ability to handle a diverse range of items at high speeds. It aims to offer a simpler, more compact alternative to traditional case packing systems, which can be complex and costly. Its design focuses on ease of use and affordability, making it accessible for companies of different sizes.

TM Robotics

TM Robotics, in collaboration with Doma Automation and Tera Automation, launched Infinifeed, an innovative robotic feeding system for the UK and European markets. Powered by Shibaura Machine’s THE series robots, Infinifeed uses a unique parallel belt conveyor and 2D vision system to handle diverse parts efficiently.

The system is user-friendly, with a remote-control app and customisable settings to ensure smooth operations. Infinifeed is ideal for various industries, offering easy integration, precision feeding, and high-speed performance, making it a versatile solution for modern manufacturing.

Chef Robotics

Chef Robotics has introduced an AI-powered robot aimed at transforming large-scale food production. This new robot, designed to address labour shortages and reduce waste, utilises software and AI models to pick and plate ingredients to assemble meals.

Unlike traditional systems, Chef Robotics’ solution is adaptable and can work with different portion sizes and container types. The robot operates using ChefOS software and integrates with sensors to optimise ingredient handling and monitor supply levels. It requires minimal space and resources, including only 120v power, compressed air, and a WiFi connection.

Chef Robotics aims to deploy these robots across commercial kitchens, including ghost kitchens and meal delivery services, with the goal of widespread adoption in the food manufacturing industry.

Shibaura

Freedom Fresh Australia automated its macadamia nut packaging process with Shibaura Machine’s THE400 SCARA robots, addressing the challenge of placing keys into nut bags. These keys help customers easily crack the shells of roasted macadamias. Previously, workers manually placed up to 20,000 keys daily, a labour-intensive and unsafe task.

The new system, integrated by M.A.P Services, uses advanced robotics and vision technology for precise pick-and-place operations. Equipped with IFM cameras and SMC vacuum gear, the robots efficiently handle up to 60 keys per minute.

Uber Eats

This year, Uber Eats released autonomous delivery robots in Japan, a significant step in modernising food delivery. These robots, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric and Cartken, are equipped with advanced technology to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

They can navigate sidewalks at a speed of 5.4 km/h and are designed with stringent safety features, including object detection technology, an emergency stop button, and a visibility flag.

The system operates by allowing merchants to place orders into the robot, which then autonomously delivers the food to the customer’s location. Customers can retrieve their orders from the robot and even rate the delivery experience. This initiative addresses labour shortages and leverages Japan’s well-maintained infrastructure and openness to new technology.

The robots’ privacy-conscious design and compliance with local regulations reflect a significant step in integrating autonomous delivery solutions into everyday life.

Elior

In March 2024, Elior UK unveiled its new delivery robot technology at the University of Roehampton in London. The Roehampton robot, developed in partnership with GW Projects, autonomously delivers food and retail items across the campus. Students order through the Breaz app, and the robot navigates to their dorms, learning and optimising delivery routes over time.

The robot, equipped with AI, can traverse various terrains and roads without human assistance. Upon arrival, students use a one-time code to access their orders. This initiative enhances convenience for students and staff while integrating with Elior’s broader commitment to innovation and sustainability on campus. The partnership also includes

Miso robotics

CaliExpress by Flippy, operated by Miso Robotics in California, claims the title of the world’s first fully autonomous restaurant. Located an hour from Los Angeles, this pop-up eatery showcases a blend of robotics and traditional kitchen operations.

The restaurant features self-service kiosks by PopID for biometric payments and a variety of menu items, including burgers and fries, cooked by robots like the burger bot and Flippy.

While the kitchen is mostly automated, human staff still handle ingredient preparation and meal assembly. The introduction of Tuffy, a robot food runner, further enhances the dining experience by delivering meals to tables. The restaurant also serves as an innovation hub, displaying various robotic technologies and prototypes, including the next-generation Flippy, set to be smaller and faster.

Kuka

Germany-based Kuka and Digital Workbench unveiled their collaboration at Agritechnica in

January, introducing a mobile harvesting robot designed to assist fruit farmers during apple

harvests. This innovative robot combines Kuka’s advanced robotics with Digital Workbench’s

multi-carrier platform, Tipard 1800.

The system uses vacuum suction cups and AI-driven vision technology to gently and efficiently pick apples, ensuring no damage to the fruit. The mobile robot, part of a pilot project since 2020, represents a significant leap in agricultural automation, aimed at addressing labour shortages and increasing harvesting efficiency.

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