SK Telecom (SKT) announced today it has launched "AI Barista Robot," an advanced coffee-making robot powered by AI, together with Doosan Robotics, a leading robot manufacturer in Korea.
AI Barista Robot was developed by combining Doosan Robotics' robot manufacturing and service capabilities and SKT's advanced AI, big data and security technologies.
The robot can not only make around 20 different drinks including coffee and ades, but also allows users to customize their coffee and is even capable of closing lids before serving.
More importantly, AI Barista Robot is designed to maximize the operational efficiency of coffee stores. Based on a data analysis platform, the AI analyzes sales status by menu/branch, raw material consumption, and equipment status in real time and notifies store owners via mobile app alerts.
It can also be built with surveillance cameras to ensure a high level of security for unmanned stores.
By dramatically reducing the inconveniences store owners experience in unmanned operation of stores, AI Barista Robot is expected to help them manage and operate their stores with greater efficiency and ease around the clock.
SKT plans to promote the popularization of these AI-powered robots through diverse promotions and competitive pricing, and aims to become a leading company in the coffee robot market within the next five years by offering differentiated service and cost-effective products.
Meanwhile, SKT invested KRW 10 billion in CMES, a leading AI vision robotics company, in March 2022. The two companies are currently developing a cooperation model in the AI robot business, and promoting entry into both the Korean and U.S. logistics markets.
“In an era where robots are becoming ever-present in our daily lives, we will focus on providing diverse robot services that can enhance the convenience and productivity of both individual and corporate customers, and provide them with a greater experience,” said Choi Nag-hun, Vice President and Head of Industrial AIX CO.
