Café X Technologies Introduces Robotic Coffee Machine

Cafe-X-SoftwareCafe X Technologies unveiled its first robotic café in the U.S. by combining machine learning and robotics, aiming to eliminate the variabilities that can bog down the coffee experience.

Working closely with local coffee roaster partners, Cafe X can consistently serve its customers in seconds with a focus on delivering beverages that taste exactly how the coffee roaster intended. The inaugural machine is located in downtown San Francisco’s Metreon shopping center, a highly trafficked, dense area which will be the blueprint for future Cafe X locations.

In partnership with WMF (a manufacturer of fully automatic coffee machines), Cafe X Technologies has developed a fully automated robotic café that integrates hardware and software which blend the functionality of baristas with specialty coffee preparation methods. Cafe X sets itself apart by removing the on-site wait time, the potential for preparation error, and the unexpected variability, setting a new standard for automation technology and the specialty coffee service industry.

“I’ve long been a big coffee consumer, and there’s never a guaranteed seamless experience,” said founder and CEO Henry Hu. “In today’s world, you have two options for getting a cup of coffee: you’re either in and out with something subpar, or you’re waiting in a 15-minute line for a great cappuccino. I started Cafe X to eliminate that inherent compromise and give people access to a tasty cup of coffee consistently and conveniently.”

Customers can order customized espresso-based beverages on the spot at the ordering kiosk or they can download the Cafe X app onto their mobile device to order in advance. Once the beverage is ready, customers use the touchscreens on the robotic café to type in a 4-digit order number which is either sent via text message or displayed on the Cafe X mobile app for iOS and Android. The Mitsubishi robot arm will then identify the customer’s drink from the waiting stations and deliver it to the customer within seconds.

“This won’t replace baristas or the coffee shop experience that so many people have come to love – we don’t aim to do that,“ said Hu. “What we’re offering is the best possible experience for people who are looking for consistent specialty coffee-to-go”

Cafe X has formed partnerships with local roasters who share similar values of delivering premium coffee. It works with its roasters to source specific premium ingredients and creates unique drinks which are programmed into the automated coffee systems within the robotic café.

Cafe X currently works with the following coffee roasters:

● AKA Coffee: Based in Oakland, California and specializing in a range of delicate and vibrant single origins along with a spectrum of blends roasted to develop each of their intended flavor profiles.

● Verve Coffee Roasters based in Santa Cruz.

● Peet’s Coffee: A Berkeley-based specialty coffee roaster and retailer.

“There’s an entire segment of the consumer population that’s not buying coffee because it doesn’t fit into their present moment,” said John Laird, CEO of AKA Roasters, “We’re truly excited to partner with the Cafe X team to expand to those customers we might not otherwise reach.”

Customers will be able to purchase espresso-based drinks from the first Cafe X location, in the U.S. Menu prices start at $2.25 for an 8-ounce cup and will vary depending on customer’s coffee bean selection which includes single origin options.

The Cafe X app can be downloaded for free at the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.


 

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