Cibotica Previews Automated Salad Makeline

Canadian startup raises fresh cash, teases new features

On Friday, British Columbia-based Cibotica previewed the latest version of its “Remy” system of automated salad and bowl makelines. The startup, which puts its own machines to work at a Vancouver food hall, has a lot to celebrate: the team just received a fresh $90,741 CAD in investment from the Canadian Food Innovation Network, as part of CFIN’s recent ~$500k round meant to stimulate foodtech innovation in the region.

Cibotica’s makeline puts the automation on the bottom, leaving human hands to work the top, while also leaving certain tasks (dressing, garnishes) to workers. The company envisions the automated system perhaps handling a salad bar’s online orders, while in-store customers get their bowls made the old fashioned way. The current verison can make approximately 120-150 bowls per hour, but future versions should be able to hit 250-300 (queue up scenes of Lucy in the chocolate factory…)

A few other important stats: the modular units holds 16 ingredients on the bottom and 24 on top, with movement powered by magnets. Cibotica touts that Remy results in 40% reduced labor needs and 50% reduced food waste. Each container use vibration to dispense ingredients, with up to 3 grams of accuracy. Grain-bowl fans fear not, warm ingredient modules are coming next year. More photos from the demonstration below.

Cibotica