How to Implement Fast Food Robots Effectively

Harrison Goldberg
January 13, 2022 12:09:15 PM EST

In the kitchen, fast food robots can accomplish one, some, or all the following:


Increase Throughput
Reduce Labor Requirements
Create marketing content / Mechanical Theater
Increase Product Quality Repeatability

Simply installing fast food robots does not guarantee all outcomes. It may not lead to any of the outcomes. In this article we will discuss how a restaurant business may evaluate technology for their kitchen.

What is Increased Throughput Automation with Fast Food Robots?

Increased throughput automation refers to the implementation of fast food robots with the primary purpose of increasing the amount of product which can be produced in a given period of time. Often, the objective will be to produce more product, without increased space or staffing requirements.

Do Fast Food Robots Increase Throughput?

This is the most important question a business can ask when considering fast food robots.

If designed correctly, the answer is YES.

Let us consider this caveat. It is often assumed by customers and vendors alike that by simply making a robot do a job, it will be done faster than a human. While this can be true, it is not always the case. The only way to be sure is to complete a time study of the task intended to be automated. Study how long it takes a human to accomplish the task. With robotics, cycle times can be accurately estimated through programming, or better yet, real-life testing. Only by comparing this data can we be certain if fast food robots are increasing throughput.

It is unlikely that fast food robots will work any slower than their human counterparts, but sometimes they are not much faster and here is why:

There is a tendency for people to imagine fast food robots in the image of a human, performing a human task. The trouble is that a robot may not perform an identical task a whole lot faster. For this reason, to see real throughput gains, fast food robots must be designed to complete a task more suited for robots. To dive deeper into this concept, read about why Restaurant Robotics Should Not Be Designed to Do a Human Task in a previous article.

The take-away here is that if a business needs to gain throughput from fast food robots, they should test, test, test. While most businesses want more throughput, there is another reason for robots in the kitchen. Kitchens have become harder and harder to staff.

Can Fast Food Robots Ease Staffing Needs?

In some cases, there simply is no one willing to do a task. In this situation, certain menu items may get eliminated, hours reduced, or a business may not be able to operate at all. These are situations where robotics which do not increase throughput can be justified. With the correct application of fast food robots, a kitchen can produce the same output with a smaller staff.

Consider another possibility of simplifying a task. Perhaps there is a very important task in the kitchen that requires a highly trained staff member to complete. What happens when that employee takes vacation or quits? It can be very frustrating for business owners to have key tasks which can only be filled by a small percentage of the staff. Imagine fast food robots that simplify or make a task more consistent.

Take for example, cooking rice. It is true that rice can be cooked in a pot with water on a gas range. To do it well everyday takes practice and skill. Enter the rice cooker. Add rice, add water, close the lid, and push a button. Almost anyone can be trained to perform this task in a few minutes. Consider how fast food robots could simplify a task in any environment.

The most important take away here is to be sure that the implementation of fast food robots accomplishes a businesses objectives. Assume nothing, and work with firms which are serious about validating how their fast food robots will work in your specific environment.

If a business is unable to prove increased throughput or labor reduction, what they are left with is optics. Unless it is intentional, it will only get a business so far by pleasing stock holders and senior management who think that fast food robotics automatically mean, more throughput or labor reduction.

There are however, reasons for show.

What is Mechanical Theater in Fast Food Robots?


Mechanical theater describes the use of fast food robots and automation primarily for “show.” In this case, a business may be gaining some throughput or labor savings but the primary purpose of the fast food robots are for marketing. The system would be installed in a conspicuous location such that patrons can easily watch the robot in action.

 

Reasons For Mechanical Theater When Implementing Fast Food Robots

The first is to garner national attention. Flippy is a perfect example of fast food robots in the lime light, having shown up on many major news publications including NBC primetime and the Wall Street Journal. The first install of Flippy has drawn customers to Caliburger, its seminal install. As an engineer and STEM enthusiast, I made the trip from the east coast to Pasadena, California just to see the original installation.

Another reason for mechanical theater with fast food robots is to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. Consider the food court at a science museum. What is a better place to watch your lunch be prepared by fast food robots? Any business or institution that wants to encourage young people to enter STEM fields may want to consider robots for any application in the public eye. These types of experiences at a young age can often set the course for an individual’s life pursuits. What types of early life experiences led the likes of Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, or Henry Ford to make their mark?

There are many good reasons for fast food robots in a kitchen. When engaging with an equipment manufacturer or automation design firm, be sure to start with a clear idea on what the objectives are. Work with a firm that will go out of the way to ensure that goals are met.

 

 

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