Robotic kitchens combine technology and sustainability to offer unique solutions to common problems in the food industry. Using artificial intelligence, these robots can monitor ingredient preparation, cooking, and cleaning with little or no human intervention.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, contactless dining has become increasingly popular. Food delivery and takeout have given struggling restaurants a much-needed respite, while fresh food vending machines, such as farmer's refrigerators, have rapidly emerged in the early stages of the pandemic. Now, robotic kitchens are playing a role in the contactless dining sector.
A robotic kitchen is a separate, enclosed space where robotic arms prepare various meals. This reduces human interaction, thus minimizing the potential risk of infection. Embedded sensors monitor ingredient freshness and inventory to curb food waste, while automated cleaning functions limit foodborne illnesses and cross-contamination.
Robotic chefs can prepare, cook, and plate ingredients.
RoboEatz, a global food technology company, has developed ARK 03, a 200-square-foot autonomous robotic kitchen system that stores, prepares, and cooks meals, placing them in temperature-controlled cabinets for customers to retrieve. Designed for use in hospitals, fast-food restaurants, and campuses, the ARK 03 system provides fresh, customizable meals around the clock.
ARK 03 uses robotic arms to collect ingredients from designated hoppers and place them in a rotating induction cooker before plating the finished product. Recipes are pre-programmed into the system software, with each kitchen capable of holding 80 different ingredients. Diners can order and customize their meals and watch live video streams of the cooking process via a mobile app.
ARK 03 weighs ingredients during meal preparation to ensure quality control and maintain cost and nutritional data. The ARK 03 system uses sensors embedded in the hopper to automatically track inventory and detect when ingredients are running low. These sensors also check the freshness and temperature of ingredients to ensure food safety.
When the sensors detect insufficient ingredients, the ARK 03 system automatically orders more from the supplier. Furthermore, the system can trigger discounts on specific meals when the ingredients' expiration date is approaching. The robot also self-sterilizes between each use to prevent cross-contamination. This robotic kitchen system can prepare approximately 1000 meals when fully stocked with ingredients.
From arm to table
London-based food robotics company Karakuri recently launched a similar robotic kitchen concept, DK-One. This compact robotic kitchen uses a robotic arm to prepare hot and cold meals with 18 kinds of fresh ingredients. Similar to the ARK 03 system, diners can order, check order status, and view nutritional information via a mobile app.
Embedded sensors monitor the temperature and quantity of ingredients. Artificial intelligence uses a data logging system to analyze ingredient consumption and calculate future demand; this system records the weight, temperature, and usage time of ingredients used. This helps reduce food waste and costs. The DK-One system currently requires manual replenishment of ingredients and monitoring equipment. DK-One occupies 6 feet and is designed for grocery stores, cafeterias, and smaller spaces.
Nala Robotics plans to open a robotic kitchen in Naperville, Illinois this April. The company plans to use AI-controlled robots to prepare ten different meals. Diners can place orders using the Nala app. The robots will use an articulated arm to prepare meals with fresh ingredients. Although the robotic kitchen is automated, humans will be needed to monitor the system and add ingredients as needed.
Robotic kitchens offer a unique dining experience, promoting food safety and sustainability by monitoring ingredients and limiting waste. Their contactless interaction and 24/7 service make them a viable dining option in the fight against the pandemic.
