tech
How a Robot (Sort of) Made Me Lunch
Earlier this week, I visited a lunch spot in London where several 20-somethings were busy toiling behind a counter. To their left sat a less ordinary sight: a food assembly robot that might one day put them out of work.
TL;DR
- Kaikaku AI is a London-based startup testing a food assembly robot.
- The robot aims to automate repetitive kitchen tasks, reduce labor costs, and potentially lower prices.
- A reporter experienced a robot-prepared poke bowl, which still required human intervention for mixing and seasoning.
- Kaikaku AI cites cheaper robotics parts, 3D printing innovation, and more expensive human labor as factors for potential success.
- The robot, named Fusion, can theoretically handle 360 bowls per hour.
- Human workers in the restaurant see the robot as helpful for alleviating staffing shortages.
- Kaikaku AI's long-term goal is the full automation of tasks currently performed by kitchen staff.