Compose Coffee will work with Rainbow Robotics, a company known for its top-tier robotics technology in Korea, to build a robot-automated cafe operating model.
The company plans to open a new store inside Rainbow Robotics' headquarters on Jiphyeon Jungang-ro in Sejong City in July and has agreed to apply an advanced robot barista system to store operations.
The partnership was launched after Rainbow Robotics proposed introducing a robot-automated cafe model as part of efforts to improve employee welfare and create a smart office environment. The two companies plan to apply the system to parts of the manufacturing and operating process through a limited-run store at the headquarters, and to test its stability and efficiency in a real store setting.
In particular, the store will introduce a collaborative robot that has become the first in the robot industry to receive food and beverage safety certification from NSF, the American Sanitary Association. The robot is designed to improve hygiene management during beverage preparation and minimize work variations, allowing drinks to be served with more consistent quality. It is also expected to reduce various operational risks that can arise in unmanned and smart stores through automation-based operations.
Rainbow Robotics has already demonstrated its capabilities by operating robot cafes at more than 43 highway rest stops and universities nationwide through its current 'Rainbow Robot Cafe' platform business.
A Compose Coffee official said, "Our partnership with Rainbow Robotics, a leader in Korea's robotics industry, goes beyond simply opening a store. It is a meaningful effort to explore the potential convergence of the F&B industry and advanced robotics technology." The official added, "We will work to provide customers with more stable and differentiated service by improving operational efficiency through automation systems and securing hygiene competitiveness with NSF-certified robots."
Reporter Jeon Sang-hee, nowater@sportschosun.com
