Robotics & Automation News

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Chef Robotics raises $43 million in Series A funding

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Chef Robotics has raised $43.1 million in new Series A funding, which includes $20.6 million in equity and $22.5 million in equipment financing debt. The latter will be used to cover the financing of Chef’s robotic systems for Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) so Chef’s customers don’t have to front capex for their robots.

The equity round was led by Avataar Ventures and included investments from Construct Capital, Bloomberg Beta, Promus Ventures, MFV Partners, Interwoven Ventures, HCVC, MaC Venture Capital, Red and Blue Ventures, Tau Partners, Alumni Ventures, Siddhi Capital, and BOLD Capital Partners.

The new funding brings Chef’s total capital raised to $65.6 million which consists of $38.8 million in equity and $26.75 million in equipment financing, all with Silicon Valley Bank, a Division of First Citizens Bank. [Read more…] about Chef Robotics raises $43 million in Series A funding

The Importance of Food Hygiene

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Throughout the ages, mankind has been able to adapt to new food styles, starting from the change of cooking instead of eating raw food and the different ways of washing, cooking, and keeping it.

It is not only for knowledge but for technology, innovation, and even ideas that have made us think differently about food as well as the use of the kitchen.

Currently, the emphasis has changed from basic cooking skills and knowing ingredients to understanding how the food industry works.

[Read more…] about The Importance of Food Hygiene

Chipotle pilots robots at key restaurants

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Chipotle Mexican Grill, one of the largest restaurant chains in the US, is piloting advanced technologies such as robotics to enhance its employee and guest experience by streamlining operations and reducing friction.

The company recently began piloting two new technologies in its restaurants to deliver precise forecasting, optimal quality, and increased convenience for digital guests.

In select Southern California restaurants, Chipotle is piloting a cook to needs kitchen management system that provides demand-based cooking and ingredient preparation forecasts to optimize throughput and freshness while minimizing food waste. [Read more…] about Chipotle pilots robots at key restaurants

Remy Robotics exits stealth mode with launch of third autonomous robotic kitchen

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Remy Robotics, a food technology startup leading the disruption of delivery-only restaurants through the use of adaptive robotics and culinary engineering, today exited stealth mode with the opening of a third autonomous robotic kitchen.

With over 60,000 robot-cooked dishes sold and top customer ratings across all major delivery apps, Remy Robotics is now ready to expand its delivery-only restaurant business with more brands and more locations.

The company’s successful track record means it is now ready to offer its autonomous robotic kitchen platform to other food operators looking to scale their business, improve profitability and solve the labour shortage challenge. [Read more…] about Remy Robotics exits stealth mode with launch of third autonomous robotic kitchen

Engineers at Columbia University invent robotic lasers that cook food

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Engineers at Columbia University have invented software-controlled robotic lasers that cook food with “unparalleled precision”, retaining more moisture, and creating an entirely new, customized way to cook a tasty meal. (See videos below.)

Imagine having your own digital personal chef; ready to cook up whatever you want; able to tailor the shape, texture, and flavor just for you; and it’s all at the push of a button. Columbia engineers have been working on doing just that, using lasers for cooking and 3D printing technology for assembling foods.

Under the guidance of Mechanical Engineering Professor Hod Lipson, the “Digital Food” team of his Creative Machines Lab has been building a fully autonomous digital personal chef. Lipson’s group has been developing 3D-printed foods since 2007. Since then, food printing has progressed to multi-ingredient prints and has been explored by researchers and a few commercial companies. [Read more…] about Engineers at Columbia University invent robotic lasers that cook food

Hyundai Robotics to automate fast-food production for KFC

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Hyundai Robotics is entering the food technology market in cooperation with the global chicken franchise, KFC.

Hyundai Robotics has signed an agreement outlining “research and co-operation in automated production manufacturing” with KFC at the restaurant chain’s Eungam restaurant in Seoul, South Korea.

Hyundai Robotics’ COO Seo Yoo Seong and KFC Korea’s CEO Eom Ik-soo attended the signing ceremony. [Read more…] about Hyundai Robotics to automate fast-food production for KFC

Sony partners with Carnegie Mellon on artificial intelligence and robotics

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Initial efforts to focus on cooking and delivery

Sony has entered into an agreement with Carnegie Mellon University to collaborate on artificial intelligence and robotics research.

Initial research and development efforts will focus on optimizing food preparation, cooking and delivery.

This area of research and development was selected because the technology necessary for a robot to handle the complex and varied task of food preparation and delivery could be applied to a broader set of skills and industries.  [Read more…] about Sony partners with Carnegie Mellon on artificial intelligence and robotics