INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A dual-arm YuMi cobot puts the finishing touches on a BurgerBots meal
Source: ABB RoboticsAutomated kitchens for fast-food restaurants took another step toward widespread realization today
ABB Robotics and BurgerBots unveiled a new restaurant concept in Los Gatos, Calif., using ABB : s IRB 360 FlexPicker and YuMi collaborative
robot to precisely and quickly assemble meals
The companies said the system also accurately monitors stock levels and frees staffers to focus on the customer experience
: Integrating ABB robots with the BurgerBots restaurant concept demonstrates the incredible potential for automation beyond the factory
floor, : stated Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics Division
: The food service industry is dynamic and demanding, and our technology brings industrial-grade consistency, efficiency and reliability to
: : When we asked the hospitality industry, 89% of managers and 73% of workers said they are open to the integration of robotics to
automate tasks within their operations, : he added, citing a Censuswide survey of 1,250 hospitality workers
: By taking over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, robots allow staff to focus on what matters most creating memorable dining
: ABB Robotics is a leading provider of industrial automation, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), cobots, and software
Its parent, ABB Group, recently announced plans to spin off the division in an earnings call.The 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards
recognized the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company for its OmniCore control platform
Learn more at the RBR50 Gala at the Robotics Summit - Expo tomorrow in Boston.Register now so you don't miss out!Restaurant workers welcome
robotic helpOne of the greatest challenges facing restaurant owners today is attracting and retaining staffers, according to the National
High turnover, rising labor costs, and the repetitive nature of back-of-house roles continue to put pressure on hospitality businesses, said
ABB.Not only can automation help fill labor gaps, but it can also make food-service jobs more sustainable and appealing by reducing tedious
tasks and improving workflows
The Censuswide survey commissioned by ABB Robotics found that 67% of hospitality workers agreed that robotics and automation should be used
to reduce the amount of dull, dirty, and dangerous work they are are doingIn addition, 63% said they are excited by the idea of robots
making their jobs easier, and 65% said they would welcome robots in their workplace if it meant a safer work environment.BurgerBots built
for speed, scalabilityBurgerBots said it combines robotics and precision engineering to consistently deliver high-quality burgers with
speed, efficiency, and limited need for manual oversight
The company claimed that its systems are designed for scalability, to optimize kitchen workflows, and ensure food safety while maintaining a
favorable customer experience.An IRB 360 FlexPicker takes ingredients and loads them on to the burgers
Source: ABB RoboticsBurgerBots added that its rethinking of fast food is suitable for high-traffic venues and on-the-go locations.ABB
Robotics asserted that its compact cell with BurgerBots is the first to integrate two types of robots with an intelligent inventory
As each order is received, a freshly cooked burger patty is placed onto a bun inside a burger box.This box is then positioned on a conveyor
shuttle, which is tagged with a QR code
As it moves along the conveyor, the IRB 360 FlexPicker delta robot hygienically performs high-speed topping selection, guided by the data
stored in the QR code.Next, the YuMi steps in to collaborate on the final assembly of the burger
The entire process takes just 27 seconds per burger.ABB said its robot controller also integrates with non-robotic systems, enabling
real-time tracking of inventory such as onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and condiments
This ensures smooth operations and efficient kitchen management, the company noted.ABB Robotics and partners eye wider rolloutsThe first
BurgerBots cell is now open and operating at the Breaking Dawn/First Born restaurant
That Los Gatos location is the first step in its broader commercial rollout, said entrepreneur Elizabeth Truong, founder of BurgerBots
: The vision was to bring consistency, transparency, and efficiency to food service, : she said
: For restaurant owners, it means better visibility of food costs, more accurate forecasting and ultimately better decision making
In the next five years, I believe that most restaurants will have some form of robotic automation, whether it : s back-of-house preparation,
assembly, or even front-of-house service
It will become less of a novelty and more of a necessity
: BurgerBots is the latest in a number of innovations in the food service industry supported by robotic technology
ABB has collaborated with RoboEatz on ARK, an autonomous robotic kitchen capable of preparing hundreds of meals with minimal human
It said this showcases the potential for high-efficiency, hygienic, and customizable food prep.ABB is also powering the robotic bartenders
of Makr Shakr, which said they will soon be mixing drinks in venues around the world
: Together, these applications demonstrate how robotics is transforming hospitality with speed and consistency, : said ABB.The post
BurgerBots opens restaurant with ABB robots preparing fast food appeared first on The Robot Report.
