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A dual-arm YuMi cobot puts the finishing touches on a BurgerBots meal. Source: ABB Robotics
Today marked a significant milestone in the evolution of automated kitchens within the fast-food sector as ABB Robotics and BurgerBots introduced a new dining concept in Los Gatos, California. Utilizing ABB’s IRB 360 FlexPicker alongside the YuMi collaborative robot, the two companies aim to enhance meal assembly precision and speed, while also effectively managing stock levels, thereby allowing staff to concentrate on enhancing customer engagement.
Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics Division, stated, “The integration of ABB robotic technology into the BurgerBots model highlights the immense possibilities for automating tasks beyond traditional manufacturing settings. The food service sector presents unique challenges, and our solutions bring a level of consistency, efficiency, and reliability that can transform this landscape.”
He referenced a Censuswide survey conducted among 1,250 hospitality industry workers, revealing that 89% of managers and 73% of employees are receptive to employing robotics for task automation. “By relieving staff of monotonous chores, we allow them to focus on delivering excellent dining experiences,” he added.
ABB Robotics stands as a prominent name in the realm of industrial automation, covering areas such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots. Additionally, ABB Group has disclosed plans to divest this division during an earnings briefing.
The firm’s OmniCore control platform received recognition at the 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards. More details will be available at the RBR50 Gala, which takes place at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston tomorrow.
Restaurant employees embrace robotic assistance
Challenges like high employee turnover, increasing labor costs, and the repetitive nature of kitchen roles are pressing issues for restaurant operators, as highlighted by the National Restaurant Association. ABB emphasizes that automation can not only bridge labor shortages but also enhance job attractiveness by minimizing tedious tasks and streamlining operations.
The aforementioned survey found that 67% of hospitality workers are in favor of leveraging robotics to alleviate monotonous, dirty, and unsafe job aspects. Additionally, 63% expressed enthusiasm for robots simplifying their tasks, while 65% indicated they would welcome robotic integration if it led to a safer workplace.
BurgerBots designed for efficiency and growth
BurgerBots claims to fuse robotics with precision engineering, resulting in the rapid and reliable delivery of high-quality burgers, while minimizing the necessity for manual intervention. The company asserts that its systems are engineered for scalability, optimizing kitchen workflows and ensuring food safety, all while maintaining positive customer interactions.
An IRB 360 FlexPicker takes ingredients and loads them onto the burgers. Source: ABB Robotics
BurgerBots emphasized that their innovative approach to fast food caters well to high-traffic venues and takeout locations.
ABB Robotics noted that this collaboration represents the first instance of combining two different robot types with a smart inventory management system. Upon receiving an order, a freshly made burger patty is placed on a bun inside a burger box. This box, equipped with a QR code, is then transported via a conveyor where the IRB 360 FlexPicker delta robot swiftly and hygienically selects toppings, guided by the QR code data.
The YuMi robot subsequently collaborates in completing the final burger assembly, with the entire operation taking approximately 27 seconds per burger.
Moreover, ABB’s robotic controller interfaces seamlessly with non-robotic systems, facilitating real-time inventory tracking for various ingredients like onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and sauces. This capability enhances overall kitchen management and operational efficiency, according to the company.
ABB Robotics and partners pursue broader implementations
The inaugural BurgerBots cell has commenced operations at the Breaking Dawn/First Born restaurant, marking a foundational step in a wider commercial expansion plan, as shared by Elizabeth Truong, the founder of BurgerBots.
“Our goal was to introduce consistency, transparency, and efficiency in the food service sector,” she remarked. “This translates to better oversight of food expenses, more accurate predictions, and, ultimately, enhanced decision-making capabilities for restaurant operators. Within five years, I anticipate that a significant number of restaurants will adopt some form of robotic automation in either food preparation, assembly, or even customer service, transitioning from novelty to necessity.”
BurgerBots stands as a pioneering force in a wave of robot-driven innovations within the food service industry. ABB has also partnered with RoboEatz to develop ARK, an advanced autonomous robotic kitchen capable of efficiently preparing large volumes of meals with minimal human supervision, showcasing the potential for highly efficient, sanitary, and customizable food production.
Additionally, ABB is involved in equipping Makr Shakr’s robotic bartenders, which are set to mix drinks in various global venues soon. “Together, these initiatives illustrate how robotics is reshaping the hospitality sector with speed and uniformity,” concluded ABB.
Source
www.therobotreport.com