Technological advancements are inevitable1. According to Robert Grimes, President and Chief Executive of the International Food & Beverage Technology Association, he shared that by adopting the latest technology, restaurants can flourish and improve their business operations1.
Robots are here to stay
Robotics is a key element in technology that restaurateurs can consider exploring to improve their businesses. In some airports such as Montréal – Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and Oakland International Airport, restaurant chains have implemented robots2. For example, Pepper the robot can be spotted in selected eateries. This four-foot tall humanoid robot provides customer service to diners by greeting them, offering dining information, and recommending menu items based on diners’ preferences3. Apart from implementing robots to provide customer service, Chowbotics Inc., a manufacturer of robotic machines, designed a robot that uses 21 ingredients to prepare over 1,000 different salads under a minute to improve efficiency and serve to the masses1.
Pepper the Robot in the United States
Credits: @pepper_the_robot
3D printer…for food
Most 3D food printers are known as deposition printers, where the machines deposit layers of raw materials in a technical process called additive manufacturing4. A newer category of 3D printers is a binding printer, adhering materials together with edible cement4. 3D printing can be used to prepare pizzas, cakes and other food items, ensuring restaurants serve fresh food on demand1. For example, Foodini, a Barcelona-based start-up food company, prints tiny crackers that are 1.5 millimeters high1.
3D printed food
Credits: @3d_printing_food
Block chain enhances workflow processes
Block chain technology is already popular for ensuring food supply chains function efficiently1. Through documenting the goods digitally, a blockchain offers permanent data for every ingredient as it moves along the supply chain from farm to table. It provides transparency to food processors, wholesalers, distributors, operators and consumers by recording and making accessible detailed information about the food1.
During a National Automatic Merchandising Association show held at Las Vegas in April 2018, Robert Grimes encouraged food service operators to search for opportunities to implement the latest technology that could be found beyond the food and beverage industry1.
References:
1. Fast Casual. (2018). Top 3 technology innovations changing the restaurant industry. [online] Available at: https://www.fastcasual.com/articles/top-3-technology-innovations-changing-the-restaurant-industry-2/
2. HMS Host. (2018). Pepper the Robot Lands at New North American Airports. [online] Available at: https://www.hmshost.com/news/details/pepper-the-robot-lands-at-new-airports
3. Kiosk Marketplace. (2018). Pepper the robot to greet guests at airport restaurants. [online] Available at: https://www.kioskmarketplace.com/news/pepper-the-robot-to-greet-guests-at-airport-restaurants/
4. Digital Trends. (2017). 3D food printers – How they could change what you eat. [online] Available at: https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/3d-food-printers-how-they-could-change-what-you-eat/