A burger-flipping robot developed by Cali Group and Miso Robotics has received $3.1 million in financing from strategic investors including Acacia Research and Match Robotics. (See video below.)
Miso was co-founded and funded by Cali Group, which owns the Caliburger chain of fast food restaurants across the US. The company is currently specialising in automation for the catering industry.
The burger-flipping robot has been named “Flippy”, appropriately enough, and was the first robotic product developed by Miso, and the company has since developed numerous automation applications for the robot, including preparation, grilling, frying, and so on.
Flippy is described as an adaptable AI-driven robotic kitchen assistant that will work alongside kitchen staff to improve operational efficiency for the restaurant industry. The first installation of Flippy will be in CaliBurger’s Los Angeles area location.
The funding for Miso represents Acacia’s second investment in companies seeking to transform the marketplace through AI.
Miso also announced it has entered into an IP services agreement with Acacia Research to drive AI-based solutions for the entire restaurant industry.
David Zito, co-founder and CEO of Miso Robotics, says: “Acacia’s expertise in intellectual property and its leadership in the emerging AI space will help Miso achieve our vision of bringing innovative technology to the often-overlooked restaurant industry.
“Miso is transforming the restaurant industry and we will continue to grow our team of roboticists and AI experts, deepening our collaborative ties with the Caltech community and deliver our adaptable AI-solutions for our first restaurant customers. We are excited about the impact Miso’s AI-based solutions will have for the restaurant industry.”
Rob Stewart, president of Acacia Research, says: “We’re impressed with Miso’s talented team of industry veterans and their category-leading AI technology that makes them well positioned to take advantage of the considerable market opportunity in the restaurant industry.”
Miso Robotics received worldwide attention following the debut of its AI-driven robotic kitchen assistant that will work alongside kitchen staff to grill burgers, starting with CaliBurger restaurants.
While artificial intelligence is being successfully tested and employed to drive cars, manage the home and message with customers, Miso Robotics is bringing robotics and AI into the kitchen in a meaningful way.
Miso Robotics plans to roll out its AI-driven robotic kitchen assistant in early 2018 and expand to more than 50 CaliBurger restaurants worldwide by the end of 2019.
