Since some years, robots began to displace humans in industries such as manufacturing, packaging and even in the kitchen. The automation of systems led to tasks that became redundant for people and were replaced by machines. Today, one product is about to become the new victim of modernization: French fries.
As reported Reutersa Southern California company developed a robot capable of frying French fries and onion rings. Known as Flippy 2, this robot is similar to the arms we see at auto plants and other automakers. With programmed movements you can take the potatoes out of the freezer, dip them in the fryer and serve them when they are ready.
Flippy 2 uses cameras and artificial intelligence to get the job done and is efficient enough to handle multiple orders at the same time. According to Miso Robotics, the company in charge of its development, the robot it is faster and more accurate in its tasks. Perhaps most importantly, he “makes his job happy,” compared to a human earning less than minimum wage at McDonald’s.
Miso CEO Mike Bell stated that one of the tasks humans are most happy to delegate is frying. Those who have worked in a fast food restaurant will know that the fryer area is not to the liking of many. The smell of oil, splashes and burns are some of the difficulties that workers face.
Robots will replace employees at McDonald’s or KFC in the not too distant future
The Flippy 2 would solve the need to have a person in the fryer and according to its creators, speed up delivery of orders at drive-thru windows. The robotic arm is an evolution of Flippy, another robot created to flip burgers on the grill. Miso Robotics revealed that it took five years to develop this version and that is already installed in some restaurants in the United States.
In terms of operation, the robot is capable of executing its tasks upon receiving the order in the restaurant. When the diner places an order, the system sends an instruction to Flippy 2 to cook the requested fries, onion rings or dishes. Miso’s engineers monitor its operation in real time, so they can react quickly to a possible failure.
The idea of implementing it in other fast food restaurants is part of Miso’s strategy. Its director stated that three large chains already use it, although they have not made it public. According to Mike Bell, these companies do not want to feed the idea that robots are taking jobs away from humans, although it will happen sooner or later.
The company mentions that it has more than 90 engineers working on prototypes. In a video published on YouTube in early 2021, Miso shows how robots are integrated into the dynamics of a restaurant and how they take advantage of artificial intelligence for better operations.
Regarding the employees, Bell assures that they are delighted to have him so that they can dedicate themselves to other things. The manager imagines that one day robots like Flippy will replace the staff of a fast food restaurant. To speed up the process, the company’s next step will be to create a robot capable of serving drinks with a lid and straw.