ABB Robotics is unveiling the future of quick-service dining with BurgerBots – an innovative restaurant idea introduced in Los Gatos, California. Engineered to produce flawlessly cooked, custom-made burgers consistently, the automated kitchen employs ABB’s IRB 360 FlexPicker® and YuMi® collaborative robot to assemble dishes with accuracy and efficiency, while effectively tracking inventory levels and allowing staff to concentrate on customer service.
The compact robotic cell represents a milestone in food automation, effortlessly combining two varieties of robots with a smart inventory management system. With every order that comes in, a newly cooked burger patty is positioned on a bun within a burger box. This box is subsequently placed on a conveyor shuttle that features a QR code. While traveling on the conveyor, the IRB 360 FlexPicker® hygienically executes rapid topping selection, directed by the information contained in the QR code. Next, the YuMi® engages in the collaborative process of assembling the final burger. The complete procedure requires only 27 seconds for each burger.
ABB’s robot controller also connects effortlessly with non-robotic systems, facilitating real-time tracking of ingredient inventory – onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and condiments – ensuring streamlined operations and effective kitchen management.
One of the biggest obstacles restaurant owners encounter today is recruiting and keeping employees. High turnover rates, increasing labor expenses, and the monotonous aspects of back-of-house jobs exert ongoing pressure on hospitality businesses. Automation creates a chance not only to address labor shortages but also to enhance the sustainability and attractiveness of foodservice roles by minimizing repetitive tasks and streamlining processes.
Supporting this shift in mindset, a recent survey commissioned by ABB Robotics found that 67 per cent of hospitality workers agreed that robotics and automation should be used to reduce the amount of dull, dirty, dangerous work humans are doing in the hospitality industry4. While 63 per cent agreed that the idea of robotics making their job easier is exciting, 65 per cent agreed that they would welcome robots in their workplace if it meant a safer work environment.
BurgerBots is the latest in a number of innovations in the food service industry supported by robotic technology. ABB’s collaboration with RoboEatz on ARK – an autonomous robotic kitchen capable of preparing hundreds of meals with minimal human intervention – showcases the potential for high-efficiency, hygienic, and customizable food prep. Meanwhile, ABB is powering Makr Shakr’s robotic bartenders, that will soon be expertly mixing drinks in venues around the world. Together, these applications demonstrate how robotics is transforming hospitality with speed and consistency.