Attempts to use artificial intelligence in restaurants have already been made around the world. And those systems — it must be acknowledged — have shown solid skill at cooking and serving customers.
But a restaurant where the entire service cycle is run by artificial intelligence hasn’t existed—until now. The coronavirus pandemic gave a big push to automation in the food service industry. During that time, California robotics company Miso Robotics upgraded its automated system Flippy, which it introduced in 2017.
At first, Flippy could cook 19 dishes. It trained in 50 CaliBurger locations. Now, its upgraded version is “going to work” at a new restaurant in Pasadena, having mastered dozens of additional tasks, the Daily Mail reported.
How will this work?
In addition to Flippy — a robotic arm attached to the ceiling that moves around the workspace — the restaurant will use other AI systems. Those systems will assist Flippy in the kitchen and handle online orders, packaging, and payments.
Using a mobile app, customers will be able to watch their hamburgers, chicken nuggets, fries, and drinks being prepared.
Miso Robotics says its AI chefs will strictly follow recipes. A few years ago, the company even claimed that Flippy prepares popular American dishes tastier than human cooks.
Experts are sounding the alarm
In May, Valyant AI founder Rob Carpenter told Fox News that millions of people could lose their jobs to artificial intelligence over the next five to ten years. In the fast-food sector, robots could replace most positions.
He added, “We will see how artificial intelligence transitions from auxiliary processing and manufacturing operations to consumer-oriented work that has traditionally been performed by humans.” He said this marks a turning point for AI.
Over the past year, tech leaders, researchers, and scientists — including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman — have debated whether artificial intelligence will replace jobs.
Against that backdrop, Flippy’s developers are optimistic. Roboticists are emphasizing the advantages and prospects of their AI-powered kitchen staff.
“Robotized food preparation based on artificial intelligence will allow large fast-food chains that feed America to significantly improve the quality, consistency, and speed of service,” said Rich Hall, CEO of Miso Robotics.
