Coffee Robots: The Future of Cafes in Shanghai

Thursday, 3 October 2024, 00:00

Coffee robots are transforming the cafe landscape in Shanghai. Hi-Dolphin's innovative Cofe+ integrates robotics to streamline coffee brewing, enhancing efficiency and cutting costs. The robot baristas promise to address the challenges faced by cafes, aiming to revive the city's coffee culture.
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Coffee Robots: The Future of Cafes in Shanghai

Revolutionizing Coffee: The Role of Robotics

Philip Han believes that his robot baristas can significantly transform the coffee business in Shanghai and beyond. Founded in 2018, Shanghai Hi-Dolphin Robot Technology aims to reduce the cost of brewing high-quality coffee, presenting a win-win for both cafe owners and consumers.

Introducing Cofe+: The Automated Coffee Solution

  • The Cofe+ is a self-sufficient booth, loaded with all necessary equipment to brew coffee.
  • Equipped with a four-axis robot arm, the kiosk can fill cups, place lids, and deliver coffee to customers.
  • Each unit prepares a drink in approximately 50 seconds without human involvement.

Robotic baristas offer distinct advantages over humans. Han points out that human baristas can be forgetful or careless, while Cofe+ machines maintain hygiene and consistency through advanced cleaning technology and temperature control.

Cost Efficiency and Expansion Plans

One major selling point for Hi-Dolphin is the cost savings. Operating an automated booth costs approximately 90% less than traditional cafes, and each booth requires only 30 minutes for maintenance, allowing a single person to manage multiple kiosks.

  1. The machines are priced between US$50,000 and US$60,000, with a lifespan of around 10 years.
  2. Hi-Dolphin has deployed nearly 1,000 machines across more than 30 countries, with plans to extend its reach globally.

Facing a Challenging Market

With many cafes closing due to a downturn in China’s economy, automated kiosks represent a lifeline. Over 44,000 cafes shut down in just 10 months, placing significant strain on the coffee sector. Hi-Dolphin's technologies, including weather-resistant models, are well-positioned to address these challenges and tap into the evolving market.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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