SKT Launches AI Barista Robot... Leading the Popularization of Coffee Robots

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] SK Telecom announced on the 26th that it has launched the unmanned coffee robot service ‘AI Barista Robot’ in collaboration with domestic robot manufacturer Doosan Robotics.

The AI Barista Robot is an unmanned coffee robot service that combines Doosan Robotics' robot manufacturing technology with SKT's big tech technologies (AI, big data, security). It can make over 20 different beverages including coffee and ade, and its operating system, which applies AI, big data solutions, and security technology, reduces the management burden on store owners.

Through SKT's data analysis platform (equipment monitoring system), AI analyzes sales status by menu and branch, raw material consumption, and device status in real time and notifies via alarms. It also provides analysis data on the manufacturing status by customer-preferred categories such as coffee, ade, and milk beverages.

Additionally, the functions of existing coffee robots have been significantly upgraded to enable customized coffee flavor extraction tailored to various customer preferences, and the robot is the first in the industry to introduce a function that closes the cup lid before serving the beverage. CCTV security functions essential for unmanned store operation are available as an option.

SKT is conducting various business collaborations, including planning franchise-type robot products with major domestic cafe operators, to expand the rapidly growing unmanned coffee robot business. SKT plans to become the leading company in the domestic coffee robot market within five years with cost-effective products.

SKT CEO Yoo Young-sang also announced last February at MWC22 held in Barcelona that the company would actively promote robot-related businesses based on AI as part of Connected Intelligence. In March last year, SKT invested 10 billion KRW in Cimes, a company specializing in AI robotics software development.

Choi Nak-hoon, head of SKT Industry AIX CO, stated, "In an era where robots are part of our daily lives in restaurants, logistics warehouses, and quarantine sites, we will strive to provide various robot services that enhance convenience and productivity for both individual and corporate customers, as well as offer enjoyable experiences."