Robots in Hong Kong restaurant cut costs and boost profits
The Hestia Kitchen restaurant in Hong Kong has become an example of efficient catering operations thanks to the innovative use of special robots. These robots not only handle a wide range of tasks, but also significantly reduce costs and increase the operating profit of the business. According to an AP report that provided close-up footage of the restaurant, the robots perform tasks ranging from removing ingredients from the fridge, to preparing food, to washing dishes.
The technology, designed by Professor G. H. Chen of the University of Hong Kong, is capable of preparing not only the eight main Chinese dishes on the restaurant’s menu, but also a variety of Japanese and Western dishes. In addition, the entire food preparation process at Hestia Kitchen is open to the public, so customers can watch through a large window as the robots perform each step – from handling ingredients to serving the finished dishes.
A robotic arm is placed in the fridge to remove the necessary ingredients and place them on a conveyor belt, which then transports them to the pan for cooking. When the food is finished cooking, the robot places the food on a plate and then washes the dirty dishes. The system is fully automated and all machines are connected to the internet, allowing them to be monitored remotely and their performance optimised.
The complete equipment includes a refrigerator, a seasoning machine and up to five fryers. “Three cookers can replace the cost of two regular cooks. They can prepare up to 200 meals at the peak lunchtime rush,” Professor Chen told the AP.
The deployment of these robots has led to a 30 to 50 per cent reduction in the restaurant’s operating costs while increasing operating profit by 9 to 15 per cent. This progress is significant not only from an economic standpoint, but also in terms of operational efficiency and sustainability. It allows the restaurant to provide high quality service at a lower cost, enabling it to compete in the marketplace and improve the customer experience.
The use of robots in gastronomy brings many benefits. First and foremost, it eliminates human error, increases consistency and speed of food preparation, while ensuring higher hygiene standards. Robots can work around the clock without the need for rest, allowing restaurants to manage peak times without having to employ large numbers of staff.
The technological advances that robotics brings to the foodservice industry may also inspire other businesses to implement similar solutions. In the long term, this trend could lead to fundamental changes in restaurant operations, with robots taking over routine and laborious tasks while human staff can focus more on creative and customer service.
Hestia Kitchen’s experience shows that robotics has the potential to transform gastronomy and bring new standards of efficiency and quality. As Professor Chen said, “This technology not only improves operational efficiency, but also brings a new dimension to the experience for our customers who can see progress and innovation in action.”
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