Did Automation Fail Starbucks or Did Starbucks Fail Automation?
BurgerBots launches in Los Gatos, Igus debuts humanoid
Before we get to this week’s plentiful news… a bit of housekeeping! We’ll be trying something different for a few weeks: for your regular industry updates, turn to our sister publications at Modern Delivery and The Curbivore. We’ll instead be focusing Ottomate on longer form interviews, exclusive analysis and in-depth industry reports. Keep us posted with how you like the latest changes!
Starbucks Says Automation Failed
Evidently, Starbucks’ new leader Brian Niccol is souring on the coffee giant’s push into automation. In a recent call with investors, Niccol said “Over the last couple of years, we’ve actually been removing labour from the stores, I think with the hope that equipment could offset the removal of the labour.” He added, “What we’re finding is that wasn’t an accurate assumption with what played out.” And, “Equipment doesn’t solve the customer experience that we need to provide, but rather staffing the stores and deploying with this technology behind it does.” Niccol is no stranger to automation, having previously helmed tech-forward burrito-maker Chipotle.
Avidbot Launches Kas Floor Cleaner
Canadian robot-maker Avidbots has a new model out: meet Kas, a fully autonomous floor scrubber geared towards the retail, transportation, health care, and education industries. Equipped with 15 sensors, the machine can clean with 90 pounds of down-force, lasts three plus hours and comes with 24/7 remote assistance. Retailers like Canadian Tire have already adopted the new bot.
BurgerBots Launches in Silicon Valley
BurgerBots and ABB Robotics have partnered to power a new automated restaurant solution, featuring an ABB IRB 360 FlexPicker and YuMi’s collaborative robot, now live in Los Gatos, CA. Curious onlookers can give the concept a try at First Born Restaurant and Breaking Dawn Brunch.
Igus Launches Iggy Rob Humanoid
Germany’s Igus is the latest entrant in the hot humanoid space, with the launch of Iggy Rob. The company is targettng a low price point — €47,999 (approximately $54,500.) The robot is approximately 1.70 meters (67 inches) tall and can operate autonomously for up to eight hours on a single charge. It’s equipped with two ReBeL Cobot arms, bionic hands, a LiDAR sensor, and 3D cameras.
In Other News
Uber’s robotaxi division teams up with May Mobility, Momenta, Pony.ai and has an expanded partnership with WeRide. Zoox recalled after crash. Wendy’s bringing drive-thru AI to 500 restaurants. Waymo scales fleet.