What Does the Future of Restaurant Robotics Look Like?
By: Gordon Food Service | Back of House
From robot bartenders to fully autonomous pizza shops to mechanical arms taking over fryer stations, autonomous solutions are gradually entering restaurants worldwide. And analysts project continued growth, with the global robotics market expected to reach $147.26 billion by the end of 2025. Automation in restaurants is no longer a far-fetched idea. It’s here, and it’s transforming the future of the industry. Here are just a few ways that transformation is already happening.
Technology is helping operators meet the labor shortage
The pandemic added strain to an already taxed labor market, causing some operators to turn to technologies like robotic servers (such as Servi from Bear Robotics) to bridge the gap.
Rather than replacing jobs, it can make existing staff more effective
No one looks at a dishwasher in a kitchen and thinks “that stole someone’s job”. Technology like Miso Robotics’ burger-flipping robot “Flippy” can automate mundane tasks and free staff up for more valuable work.
Finding a place in fine dining
The applications of automation in QSRs are already fairly robust. But fine dining isn’t being left out entirely. Companies like Dexai Robotics that specialize in back-of-house automation are developing technologies meant to improve efficiency in restaurants of all types.
Technology is helping operators meet the labor shortage
The pandemic added strain to an already taxed labor market, causing some operators to turn to technologies like robotic servers (such as Servi from Bear Robotics) to bridge the gap.
Rather than replacing jobs, it can make existing staff more effective
No one looks at a dishwasher in a kitchen and thinks “that stole someone’s job”. Technology like Miso Robotics’ burger-flipping robot “Flippy” can automate mundane tasks and free staff up for more valuable work.
Finding a place in fine dining
The applications of automation in QSRs are already fairly robust. But fine dining isn’t being left out entirely. Companies like Dexai Robotics that specialize in back-of-house automation are developing technologies meant to improve efficiency in restaurants of all types.
Chains will outpace independents, but not forever
Much of the current innovation in the automation space is finding its initial footing in well-funded chain concepts. But as efficiencies increase and costs come down, more and more independents will find a place for emerging types of automation within their concepts.
Not a question of “if”, but “how quickly”
The next few years could very likely reveal just how quickly robotics technology will expand across the industry. Regardless, it’s clear robots are here to stay, and at some point, they’ll arguably become a competitive staple for a significant portion of restaurants.
That said, regardless of technology’s vast potential, few question whether or not the hardworking humans that have always made up this industry will continue to play an imperative role in the future.
For more restaurant insights and tech solutions, visit BackofHouse.io
Much of the current innovation in the automation space is finding its initial footing in well-funded chain concepts. But as efficiencies increase and costs come down, more and more independents will find a place for emerging types of automation within their concepts.
Not a question of “if”, but “how quickly”
The next few years could very likely reveal just how quickly robotics technology will expand across the industry. Regardless, it’s clear robots are here to stay, and at some point, they’ll arguably become a competitive staple for a significant portion of restaurants.
That said, regardless of technology’s vast potential, few question whether or not the hardworking humans that have always made up this industry will continue to play an imperative role in the future.
For more restaurant insights and tech solutions, visit BackofHouse.io
