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The Rise of AI in the Restaurant Industry: A Look at Aniai’s Burger-Cooking Robot

Aniai, a startup that has developed a burger-grilling robot, is revolutionizing the restaurant industry. With the potential to save up to 70% of labor costs, this innovation could be a game-changer for businesses grappling with labor shortages and rising wages.

In a recent TechCrunch article, it was reported that Aniai, a startup that has developed a burger-grilling robot called Alpha Grill, has raised $12 million. This funding will be used to launch its first manufacturing facility, Factory One, in South Korea, and to deploy a cloud-based AI software platform for the robot, Alpha Cloud.

The adoption of robotics in the restaurant industry is on the rise, as it can help businesses address significant challenges such as labor shortages and increasing wage costs. According to research, robotics can save restaurants between 30% to 70% of labor costs, and potentially replace more than 80% of restaurant positions.

Aniai’s CEO, Gunpil Hwang, stated that Alpha Grill could reduce the need for kitchen staff, with one staff member able to operate the robot. The company plans to launch Factory One this year to meet the growing demand for Alpha Grill, with around 500 pre-orders already in place for delivery starting in the first quarter of 2024.

The Alpha Grill, which can cook 200 patties per hour, uses a cloud-based AI software and real-time vision sensor to monitor the patties’ temperature, shape, and quality. If a patty does not meet the cooking specifications, Alpha Grill notifies the cooking staff to ensure quality control.

Aniai is also developing its second product, Alpha Kitchen, which is expected to launch in 2025. This product will automate the entire burger-making process, from cooking patties and toasting buns to dispensing vegetables and other ingredients.

The startup currently serves seven customers, including fast-food burger chains in South Korea and has been testing Alpha Grill with burger chains in the U.S. since last year. With the latest funding, Aniai plans to speed up its expansions in the U.S. and South Korea.

Aniai’s innovation is part of a growing kitchen automation industry, with other companies such as Miso Robotics, Botinkit, and Chef Robotics also developing cooking robots. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, businesses must stay ahead of the curve by embracing these technological advancements.

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