Makr Shakr opens latest robotic bars in Milan and London

A startup company called Makr Shakr has opened its latest robotic bars in the European cities of Milan and London.

Makr Shakr was founded in 2014 by MIT professor Carlo Ratti and claims to be the world’s leading producer of robotic bars.

The Milan installation is in the heart of the Italy’s fashion capital, and is said to be the city’s very first robotic bar.

Overlooking the iconic cathedral, the bar will be located on the rooftop of luxury hotel TownHouse Duomo and open to the public from 26 July 2019.

The latest edition of Makr Shakr is also currently taking up residency at the Barbican, London until 26 August 2019, to coincide with the exhibition AI: More than Human.

Modelled on the gestures of Italian dancer and choreographer Marco Pelle from the New York Theatre Ballet, Makr Shakr says the robotic bar is “the most advanced drink-mixing robot ever put on the market”.

The system is available for purchase or rent.

“Combining the very finest Italian craftsmanship with high-end technology and elegant finishes, the robotic bar features two mechanical arms that can precisely prepare and serve any drink in seconds – shaking, stirring, and muddling with co-ordinated, dance-like movements,” says the company in a statement.

“It can skillfully manage more than 150 bottles of different spirits hanging from the ceiling of the bar structure, to create an infinite combination of drinks.”

Emanuele Rossetti, CEO of Makr Shakr, says: “The View by Makr Shakr shows how technology can empower people. It is not about replacing humans with robots but allowing robots to be extensions of our arms. In short, YOU are the bartender.”

Carlo Ratti, founding partner of CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati firm that designed the system, says: “Industrial robots are going to change the global workforce, but many people have never had the opportunity to see them – let alone interact with them.

“Our motivation is in creating novel opportunities for people to interact with new technologies.”