National fast-casual restaurant chains are increasingly evaluating automation for commercial kitchens. Miso Robotics Inc. today announced its new CookRight Coffee product line. Panera Bread Co. is Miso's first partner to test the system, which uses sensors and artificial intelligence to maintain drink quality and consistency.
“In order to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving restaurant industry, we want our products to come to market quickly and maintain a high level of flexibility,” stated Mike Bell, CEO of Miso Robotics. “When we announced the CookRight platform in 2021, we knew we could apply it to various stations at a restaurant as the product developed, and we saw an immediate need for it at the coffee station.”
“We are thrilled that Panera shares in our vision to revamp the coffee monitoring process and can’t wait for CookRight Coffee to be installed at their restaurants to help customers and team members alike,” he added.
Pasadena, Calif.-based Miso Robotics combines AI, computer vision, machine learning, and data analytics in its products. They include the Flippy 2 frying robot, the CookRight grilling assistant, and Sippy automated beverage dispenser, and the Chippy automated tortilla maker.
The company has raised more than $50 million in crowdfunding to date, and it said it had a market valuation of $500 million. Miso is seeking investors for its Series E round of another $30 million to $40 million.
Miso iterates intelligent service
Miso Robotics said CookRight Coffee is the newest iteration of its CookRight system.
“When we announced the CookRight platform in 2021, we knew we could apply it to various stations at a restaurant as the product developed, and we saw an immediate need for it at the coffee station,” Bell told Robotics 24/7. “Specifically, CookRight Coffee offers new functionalities that are uniquely relevant to Panera and its business.”
It monitors key coffee metrics such as volume, temperature, and time data. The AI-driven system combines these metrics with predictive analytics to “guarantee a quality cup of coffee and a more efficient team member experience,” said the company.
The CookRight Coffee system eliminates the need for manual checks of coffee urns. Baristas can view the key coffee metrics on a screen in their workspace, said Bell.
But will CookRight Coffee save them time?
“The CookRight Coffee system is designed to boost team members' efficiency by eliminating the need for manual checks while providing easy and accurate insights,” he explained. “Time is just one component—really understanding how much coffee is served, its quality, and customer and team member experience is also important.”
“The CookRight system is designed to evolve over time, so new enhancements will likely come in the future,” Bell said. “It all depends on the needs of the team members who are using the product every day.”
Panera takes a taste of CookRight Coffee
CookRight Coffee will allow Panera Bread associates to brew a new batch at precisely the right time so that coffee stays fresh and hot for guests, said Miso.
The new system will also support St. Louis, Mo.-based Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club membership, which allows subscribers to drink unlimited coffee and tea for $8.99 per month.
“Panera has a long history of tech innovation in service of meeting the needs of our guests and associates when they walk through our doors each day,” said George Hanson, senior vice president and chief digital officer of Panera. “CookRight Coffee is a gamechanger when it comes to convenience and operational efficiency, and we are extremely excited to take our coffee station into the future with Miso Robotics.”
Will Miso roll out CookRight Coffee to other chains?
“We're currently working on a deployment strategy,” Bell replied. “Our focus is to automate tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, [and] time-consuming and roles that are hard to fill.”
“While we always look for opportunities that make business sense for us and our partners, for now, we’re excited to be partnering with Panera to customize and further develop our technology,” he said.
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