SK Telecom Co.’s robot barista makes coffee in this photo provided by the mobile carrier on Jan. 26, 2023.
SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — SK Telecom Co., South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, said Thursday it is launching an unmanned coffee robot service in collaboration with local collaborative robot manufacturer Doosan Robotics Co.
The robot, dubbed AI (artificial intelligence) Barista Robot, can make about 20 different types of coffee and drinks, and offers coffee that satisfies the personal taste of consumers.
In an industry first, the robot is also capable of finishing the process of making a drink by putting a lid on the cup.
The AI barista robot service, in particular, can also provide real-time information on sales by product and branch, the consumption of raw ingredients, and the state of the equipment to shop owners through a data analysis platform.
“The new robot can drastically reduce the inconvenience arising from the operation of unmanned shops, while contributing to improving the overall efficiency of shop operations through a 24/7 service.” an official at SK Telecom said.
The telecom operator added that it is planning a franchise-type robot product in collaboration with one of the nation’s major café operators to expand the unmanned coffee robot business.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
