Barcelona Airport (BCN) is working with Areas to create the SELF restaurant, a new airport food destination that is fully automated for convenience. SELF features an assortment of airport food and drinks that can be purchased through a touchscreen system and prepared by an advanced robotic arm that can cook six orders at once.
The robot was trained to use machine vision, enhancing the decision-making capabilities of the system. It is energy efficient and uses FSC-certified paper packaging. The store also uses human employees who work alongside the robot, optimizing speed and quality of service, and adopts robust engineering from IJRRobótica and AEV.
SELF offers everything from coffee and soft drinks to pasta and desserts. The store is located in Terminal 1, next to gate B24 at BCN.
Image Credit: Areas
What's Driving This Trend
- AI-driven Culinary Automation
- The integration of machine vision and robotic arms in food preparation is revolutionizing efficiency and consistency in culinary services.
- Sustainable Packaging Solutions
- The adoption of FSC-certified paper for food packaging reflects a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly practices in dining services.
- Human-robot Collaboration
- The partnership between human employees and robots in service delivery points to a future where blended workforces enhance operational performance.
Who This Affects Most
- Airport Hospitality
- The development of automated dining options within airports highlights a shift towards faster, tech-enabled customer experiences.
- Robotics and AI
- Advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence are paving the way for innovative applications in food service and beyond.
- Sustainable Food Packaging
- Growing demand for eco-friendly packaging materials in the food industry opens new avenues for sustainable product development.
