Revolutionizing the Coffee Industry: Shanghai’s Hi-Dolphin Robot Technology Brews Change with Automated Kiosks

Shanghai's robotic company aims to ignite a coffee revolution with automated booths

Shanghai Hi-Dolphin Robot Technology's goal is to reduce the expenses of running coffee shops in order to rejuvenate the sector, according to its founder, Philip Han.

Philip Han is confident that his robots have the potential to transform the coffee industry in Shanghai and further afield.

Established in 2018 in the bustling eastern Chinese city, known for having the highest number of coffee shops globally as per local authorities, Shanghai Hi-Dolphin Robot Technology aims to decrease the expense of crafting a quality cup of coffee and lower its selling price. This strategy benefits both entrepreneurs and consumers alike.

The firm's offering is Cofe+, a self-sufficient rectangular kiosk that's loaded with all the necessary machinery and components to brew coffee, whether it's an Americano or cappuccino, served hot or cold. Central to the kiosk is a four-axis robotic arm tasked to pour coffee into empty cups, secure them with lids, and then pass them on to consumers.

Equipped with grinding and ice-making machines, the stand can whip up a beverage in about 50 seconds, all without the need for a human barista. When fully stocked, each kiosk can provide approximately 300 drinks, according to the company.

According to Han, in certain aspects, robots outperform humans as baristas.

"People have a tendency to be absent-minded, emotional, and sometimes neglectful… and occasionally, they might pick or blow their noses," he stated. In contrast, the Cofe+ machines are shielded by glass and outfitted with proprietary technology to ward off insects and bacteria. The system automatically cleans and sanitizes the pipes, while the milk is maintained at a steady temperature, ensuring it stays fresh for up to 72 hours.